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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" during their top-flight match at Etihad Stadium

The visitors made the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the break following a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue fresh instructions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to place them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less Premier League goals this term

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the interval that nearly reversed their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the setup a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the match. We assembled on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds lost four straight successive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with relegation

However, while Farke said that "our overriding emotion is frustration", their second-half performance provided sufficient evidence to suggest they are able of halting their present run and moving back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the results," the manager added

"We possessed the belief before the game, during the game and following the encounter. Or else you can't come back with a showing 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 remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this performance with the manner they have performed in this second half"

"Then came 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 City defenders"

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