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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" during their top-flight fixture at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back after the break after a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue fresh directions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you want to take action. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less top-flight goals this season

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was almost rewarded for a courageous choice at the half-time that nearly reversed their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his team were only able to regroup after Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put two in attack and altered the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the match. We got together on the side of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds suffered four successive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with demotion

However, while Farke stated that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second-half display provided enough evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their current run and climbing up the standings

"To show such a performance should provide us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to earn the results," the manager added

"We had the belief prior to the game, during the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this display with the manner they have performed 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 defenders"

"It looked like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds United's season, but City discovered a measure of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"