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

Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the break following a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue new instructions during the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. 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 spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't teach our footballers in football what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to bend the rules 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 rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having scored fewer top-flight goals this term

Tactical Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly 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 team were only capable to regroup after Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair up top and changed the setup a bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We assembled on the edge of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four successive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with relegation

However, while Farke said that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period performance offered enough evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their present form and climbing back up the standings

"To show such a performance should provide us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a excellent chance to earn the results," the manager added

"We possessed the confidence prior to the match, during the fixture and following the encounter. Or else you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City centre-backs"

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