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

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, the visitors fought back after the break after a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the resumption

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and deliver new instructions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't teach our footballers in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

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

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost turned around their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

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

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

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

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

However, while Farke said that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second period display offered enough proof to suggest they are able of arresting their current run and moving up the table

"To show such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to win the points," Farke added

"We had the confidence before the game, during the fixture and after the encounter. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

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

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

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

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