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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" in their Premier League match at the Etihad

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

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

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue fresh directions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I ask the fourth official 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 regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting 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 changed the formation a bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds lost four successive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Farke said that "their overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half display provided enough evidence to suggest they are capable of halting their present run and moving up the table

"To show such a performance should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent chance to win the results," Farke added

"We had the belief prior to the game, during the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but Manchester City found a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"