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

Leeds made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the interval

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back following the break after a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the restart

Furthermore with City visibly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue new directions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our footballers in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we simply try to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight goals this term

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that nearly turned around their situation

Talking to television pundits, Foden, said that his side were only capable to regroup following Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two up top and altered the setup a bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the match. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds United suffered four successive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our main emotion is frustration", their second-half performance provided enough proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their current run and moving back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us lots of confidence. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the points," Farke continued

"We had the confidence before the game, throughout the game and after the encounter. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City defenders"

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