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

Leeds made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage ahead of the interval

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied following the break following a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the resumption

And with City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue fresh instructions in the 120 seconds play 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 clever. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt 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 rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

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

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his team were only able to reorganize following Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot higher, they put a pair in attack and changed the setup a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The last time Leeds United lost four straight successive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our main feeling is frustration", their second period performance offered sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of halting their current form and climbing up the table

"To show such a display should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent chance to win the points," Farke continued

"We had the confidence prior to the game, throughout the game and following the game. Or else you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he should 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' campaign, but City discovered a bit of quality. They escaped with one this evening"