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

Leeds got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back following the interval after a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the resumption

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue new directions in the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," 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 within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually 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 regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

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

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the interval that almost turned around their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his team were only capable to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

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

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

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

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second period performance offered sufficient evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their present form and moving back up the table

"Displaying such a display should provide us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the points," the manager continued

"We had the confidence prior to the match, during the fixture and after the game. Or else you can't come back with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

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

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