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Leeds manager Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" in their Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

However, the visitors fought back following the break after a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the restart

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and deliver new directions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I ask the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having scored fewer Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the interval that nearly reversed their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Foden, said that his team were only able to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and altered the setup a bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds lost four straight consecutive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with relegation

However, while Farke said that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second period performance provided enough proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their current run and climbing up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity to win the results," Farke added

"We possessed the belief before the game, throughout the game and after the game. Or else you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this performance with the manner they have performed in this second period"

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It looked like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but City discovered a bit of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"