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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" during their Premier League match at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead ahead of the interval

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back following the break after a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the restart

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue fresh instructions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we educate our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just try to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having scored fewer top-flight goals this season

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his team were only able to regroup following Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair up top and changed the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The last time Leeds United lost four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "our main feeling is frustration", their second-half performance provided enough evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their current run and climbing up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us plenty of belief. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the points," Farke continued

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, during the game and after the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

"Leeds can take a lot from this performance with the way they have played in this second period"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City found a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"