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

The visitors made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, the visitors fought back following the interval after a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the resumption

Furthermore with City visibly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver new directions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the sense 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 want to take action. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less top-flight goals this term

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure especially around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous choice at the interval that nearly reversed their situation

Talking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his side were only able to regroup after Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they put a pair in attack and changed the formation a little bit," commented Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the side of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds suffered four straight consecutive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their season ended with demotion

However, while Farke stated that "our main feeling is frustration", their second period display offered sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of halting their present form and moving back up the standings

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great opportunity to earn the points," Farke added

"We had the confidence prior to the game, throughout the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds United can take a lot from this performance with the manner they have played in this second half"

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but Manchester City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"