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Leeds manager Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" in their Premier League match at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

However, the visitors fought back following the break after a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the resumption

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue fresh directions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with 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"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his team were only able to regroup following Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they put a pair in attack and altered the formation a bit," commented Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

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

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half performance provided enough evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their current run and moving up the table

"Displaying such a performance should provide us plenty of belief. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the results," Farke added

"We possessed the confidence prior to the match, throughout the fixture and after the game. Or else you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

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

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