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

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the interval

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back following the break after a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the resumption

And with City clearly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue new directions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play 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 have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League matches to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having notched fewer Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness particularly around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost turned around their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his team were only capable to regroup following Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two in attack and changed the formation a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the match. We assembled on the side of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds United suffered four successive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main feeling is frustration", their second-half display offered enough evidence to suggest they are able of halting their present run and climbing back up the table

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to earn the points," the manager continued

"We possessed the belief before the match, during the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward 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 performance with the manner they have played in this second half"

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

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