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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" in their Premier League fixture at the Etihad

The visitors made the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied following the interval following a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the restart

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and issue fresh instructions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he went down," 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 spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League goals this season

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold choice at the interval that almost turned around their situation

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

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and changed the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the match. We got together on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

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

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our overriding emotion is frustration", their second-half display offered sufficient evidence to suggest they are capable of halting their current run and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the points," the manager added

"We had the confidence before the match, throughout the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds can derive a lot from this performance with the manner they have played in this second period"

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City defenders"

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