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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke claimed City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" in their Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

However, the visitors fought back following the break following a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver new directions in the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep 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 hands are tied"

"Unless we teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight matches to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League goals this term

Strategic Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness especially around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Foden, said that his side were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair in attack and changed the formation a bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

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

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second-half performance provided sufficient proof to suggest they are able of halting their present form and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to earn the points," Farke continued

"We possessed the belief before the game, throughout the fixture and after the game. Or else you can't come back with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

"Leeds United can take a lot from this display with the way they have played in this second half"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

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