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

Leeds made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Denied

However, Leeds rallied after the interval following a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the resumption

And with City clearly struggling to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue new directions during the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this point if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

"Unless we educate our players in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League goals this season

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure especially around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a courageous decision at the interval that almost reversed their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and changed the formation a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the match. We assembled on the side of the field and changed a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The last time Leeds suffered four straight successive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our main emotion is frustration", their second period performance provided enough proof to indicate they are capable of halting their present form and climbing up the table

"To show such a display should give us lots of belief. If we show such spirit and unity we have a great opportunity to win the results," Farke added

"We had the belief prior to the game, during the fixture and after the game. Or else you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

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