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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 the Etihad

The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Denied

However, the visitors rallied following the break following a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue fresh directions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our players in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored fewer Premier League goals this term

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that nearly reversed their situation

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side were only capable to reorganize following Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put two in attack and altered the setup a bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

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

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their overriding feeling is disappointment", their second period display provided sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of halting their present run and climbing back up the table

"Displaying such a performance should provide us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a excellent opportunity to earn the results," the manager added

"We had the confidence before the match, throughout the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds can derive a lot from this display with the way 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 should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but City discovered a bit of quality. They got away with one this evening"