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

Leeds made the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

However, Leeds fought back after the interval following a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the resumption

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue fresh directions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our players in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched fewer Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold decision at the interval that nearly reversed their situation

Talking to television pundits, Foden, said that his team were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair up top and changed the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

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

However, while Daniel Farke said that "our overriding emotion is frustration", their second-half display provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their current form and climbing up the standings

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to earn the points," the manager added

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

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

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

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

"It appeared like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but City discovered a measure of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"