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

Leeds made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, the visitors fought back after the interval after a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the restart

And with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and issue fresh instructions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just try to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less top-flight goals this term

Strategic Changes

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

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize after Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two up top and altered the setup a bit," said Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the match. We assembled on the side of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

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

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our overriding emotion is frustration", their second period performance provided sufficient proof to indicate they are able of arresting their present form and moving back up the standings

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

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, throughout the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

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

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City discovered a measure of quality. They got away with one this evening"