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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 the Etihad

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage ahead of the interval

Second Period Revival Thwarted

However, Leeds rallied following the interval following a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the resumption

And with City clearly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and deliver fresh directions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a solution"

Coach's Frustration

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we educate our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched less top-flight goals this season

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a courageous choice at the interval that nearly reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize following Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair up top and changed the setup a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds United lost four consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with relegation

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

"To show such a performance should provide us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the points," Farke added

"We possessed the confidence prior to the match, throughout the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic attacker 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 United can take a lot from this performance with the manner they have played in this second half"

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

"It appeared like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but Manchester City found a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"