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

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

However, the visitors fought back after the break after a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver new directions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I ask the fourth official at this point if you want to take action. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched less Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

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

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only capable to reorganize following Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put two in attack and changed the setup a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

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

However, while Daniel Farke said that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second-half performance offered sufficient evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their present form and moving back up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should provide us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and unity we have a great chance to win the results," Farke continued

"We had the belief prior to the game, throughout the fixture and following the game. Or else you can't come back with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

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

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City centre-backs"

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