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

Leeds got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the interval

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied following the break after a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the resumption

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver fresh directions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you want to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in terms 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 additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight goals this term

Strategic Changes

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

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only capable to regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

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

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds lost four straight consecutive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with relegation

However, while Farke said that "their overriding feeling is disappointment", their second period performance provided enough proof to indicate they are capable of halting their current form and moving back up the table

"Displaying such a display should provide us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a excellent opportunity to earn the results," Farke added

"We had the belief prior to the match, during the fixture and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but City found a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"