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Leeds 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

Leeds made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

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

Furthermore with City clearly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue fresh directions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less top-flight goals this term

Tactical Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure especially around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a courageous choice at the interval that almost turned around their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only able to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

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

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds suffered four straight successive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half display offered enough proof to suggest they are capable of halting their present form and moving up the table

"Displaying such a display should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great opportunity to win the points," Farke continued

"We had the belief prior to the game, during the fixture and following the game. Or else you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City found a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"