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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" in their top-flight fixture at the Etihad

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied following the break following a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the resumption

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver new directions during the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we educate our footballers in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we just try to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that nearly turned around their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his side were only able to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and changed the formation a bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the match. We assembled on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second period performance provided enough proof to indicate they are able of arresting their present run and climbing back up the table

"To show such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the points," the manager added

"We had the confidence prior to the match, during the fixture and after the encounter. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

"Leeds can take a lot from this performance with the way they have performed in this second half"

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City found a measure of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"