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

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

However, the visitors rallied following the interval following a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the restart

Furthermore with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue fresh instructions in the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League goals this term

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness especially around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a bold choice at the interval that almost reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

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

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

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds suffered four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their overriding feeling is disappointment", their second period display offered sufficient evidence to suggest they are able of halting their current form and moving up the standings

"To show such a display should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to earn the points," Farke added

"We had the confidence prior to the match, throughout the fixture and after the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

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

"It looked like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds United's season, but City found a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"