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

Leeds made the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

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

And with City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Frustration

"I ask the fourth official at this point if you want to take action. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less top-flight strikes this season

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the interval that almost turned around their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only capable to regroup after Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two up top and changed the setup a little bit," said Foden

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

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four consecutive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second period performance provided enough proof to suggest they are capable of halting their present run and moving up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to win the results," Farke continued

"We possessed the confidence prior to the game, during the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City found a bit of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"