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

The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the interval

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back following the interval following a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and deliver new instructions in the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

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

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you want to do something. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we educate our players in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship 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 myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League strikes this season

Strategic Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a courageous decision at the interval that nearly reversed their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his team were only able to regroup following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair up top and changed the formation a bit," said Foden

"We genuinely 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 brief pause was vital to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The last time Leeds lost four consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

However, while Farke said that "our main feeling is frustration", their second-half performance offered sufficient evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their current form and moving back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should provide us lots of confidence. If we show such determination and unity we have a great chance to earn the points," the manager added

"We had the belief prior to the match, during the game and after the encounter. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

"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 adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds United's season, but City discovered a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"