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

The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

However, the visitors rallied following the break following a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue new directions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within 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 resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this point if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we teach our footballers in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt to bend the rules 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 can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less top-flight strikes this term

Strategic Adjustments

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

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only able to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put two in attack and altered the setup a little bit," commented Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds lost four consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second period display provided sufficient evidence to suggest they are able of halting their present run and climbing back up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to win the points," Farke continued

"We had the belief prior to the match, throughout the game and after the encounter. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

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

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