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Leeds manager Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" during their top-flight match at the Etihad

Leeds made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Revival Thwarted

However, Leeds rallied after the interval following a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the resumption

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue new directions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a courageous decision at the interval that almost reversed their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they put two up top and changed the setup a little bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the match. We got together on the side of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

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

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our main feeling is frustration", their second period display provided enough evidence to suggest they are capable of halting their present form and climbing up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a great opportunity to win the results," Farke continued

"We had the confidence before the match, during the game and following the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this display with the way they have performed in this second half"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City found a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"