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

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Denied

However, the visitors rallied following the break after a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

And with City clearly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue fresh instructions in the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't educate our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less top-flight strikes this term

Strategic Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure especially around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a courageous decision at the interval that almost turned around their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his team were only able to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the setup a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The last time Leeds United lost four successive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their main emotion is frustration", their second period performance offered enough proof to suggest they are able of arresting their current run and climbing back up the table

"To show such a performance should provide us plenty of confidence. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity to win the results," the manager continued

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, during the fixture and after the game. Or else you can't come back with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable 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 ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City found a measure of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"