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

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, Leeds fought back following the break after a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the resumption

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver fresh directions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

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

Manager's Frustration

"I ask the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a courageous choice at the half-time that nearly turned around their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only able 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 put a pair up top and changed the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

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

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds suffered four straight successive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period performance provided enough evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their current form and moving up the table

"To show such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we show such determination and unity we have a excellent chance to earn the results," Farke continued

"We had the belief prior to the match, throughout the game and following the encounter. Or else you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have great unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds can derive a lot from this display with the way they have played in this second period"

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City defenders"

"It looked like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds' season, but City found a bit of quality. They got away with one this evening"