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

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

However, Leeds rallied after the interval after a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the restart

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue new instructions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? 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 moment if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we teach our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

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

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was nearly vindicated for a courageous choice at the interval that almost reversed their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they put two in attack and altered the formation a bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the match. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds United lost four straight successive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second period performance offered enough evidence to suggest they are able of halting their present run and moving back up the standings

"To show such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to win the points," the manager added

"We had the confidence prior to the game, throughout the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised 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 Manchester City found a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"