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

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

However, Leeds rallied following the interval after a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the resumption

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and everything and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched less Premier League goals this term

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that nearly reversed their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair in attack and changed the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the game. We assembled on the side of the field and changed a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

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

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our main feeling is frustration", their second-half performance offered enough evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their current run and climbing up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent chance to earn the results," the manager added

"We had the belief prior to the match, throughout the fixture and following the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this display with the way they have played in this second half"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but Manchester City discovered a bit of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"