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

Leeds got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, the visitors rallied after the break after a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the resumption

And with City clearly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments just 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 deliver new directions in the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with 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"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness particularly around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the interval that almost reversed their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize after Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot higher, they deployed two up top and altered the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We assembled on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds lost four straight consecutive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke said that "their main feeling is frustration", their second period display offered enough evidence to suggest they are able of halting their present run and climbing up the table

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the points," the manager added

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, during the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds United's season, but City discovered a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"