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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 match at the Etihad

The visitors made the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, Leeds rallied after the interval following a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and deliver new instructions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I ask the fourth official at this moment if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules 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 rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched fewer Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure particularly around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous choice at the interval that nearly turned around their fortunes

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

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put two in attack and altered the formation a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the match. We assembled on the side of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

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

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their main feeling is frustration", their second period performance provided sufficient evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their present form and climbing up the table

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

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, throughout the game 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 said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

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

"It appeared like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City discovered a measure of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"