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

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

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

And with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver fresh directions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply attempt to bend the rules 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 within the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched less Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness particularly around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost reversed their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only capable to regroup after Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put two in attack and changed the formation a bit," said Phil Foden

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

Positive Aspects for Leeds

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

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second period display provided enough evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their current form and moving back up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the results," Farke added

"We possessed the belief before the match, throughout the game and following the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

"Leeds can derive a lot from this display with the manner they have played in this second period"

"Then came 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 Manchester City centre-backs"

"It looked like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but City discovered a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"