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

The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back following the break after a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue fresh directions during the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored fewer Premier League goals this season

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair up top and changed the formation a bit," commented Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the game. We got together on the side of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds United lost four consecutive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our main feeling is frustration", their second-half display provided sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their present form and moving back up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of confidence. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to win the points," Farke continued

"We had the belief before the match, throughout the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds United can take a lot from this performance with the manner 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 defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds United's season, but City discovered a bit of quality. They got away with one this evening"