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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" in their top-flight match at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the interval

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied following the interval after a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the resumption

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver new directions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules 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 within the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having notched fewer top-flight goals this term

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that almost turned around their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his side were only capable to regroup following Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair up top and altered the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

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

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds suffered four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with relegation

However, while Farke said that "their main emotion is frustration", their second period performance provided sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their current run and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a excellent opportunity to win the results," the manager added

"We had the confidence prior to the match, during the fixture and after the encounter. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward win for 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 half"

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City discovered a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"