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

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied after the break following a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the restart

Furthermore with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue fresh directions in the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I approve? 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 governing bodies to find a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"Unless we teach our players in the game 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 fake injury in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

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 bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less top-flight goals this term

Strategic Changes

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

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only capable to reorganize following Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two in attack and changed the setup a bit," said Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds United lost four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second period performance offered enough proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their present run and moving back up the table

"Displaying such a display should give us lots of belief. If we show such determination and unity we have a great chance to win the results," the manager continued

"We possessed the belief before the match, during the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester 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 played in this second period"

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

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