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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 fixture at the Etihad

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

However, the visitors rallied after the interval following a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the restart

And with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue fresh instructions in the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"Unless we teach our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

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

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the interval that almost reversed their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only able to reorganize after Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two in attack and altered the formation a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We assembled on the side of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The last time Leeds suffered four straight consecutive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with demotion

However, while Farke said that "their overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period performance offered sufficient evidence to indicate they are capable of halting their current form and climbing back up the table

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

"We had the belief prior to the game, throughout the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

"Leeds can derive a lot from this display with the way they have performed in this second period"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City centre-backs"

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