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

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

However, the visitors fought back following the interval following a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the restart

And with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and deliver fresh directions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the assistant referee at this point if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"Unless we educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having scored fewer Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that nearly turned around their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only able to regroup after Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the setup a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the match. We assembled on the side of the field and changed a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds United lost four straight consecutive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke said that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance provided enough evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their current form and climbing back up the standings

"To show such a performance should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great chance to earn the results," Farke added

"We had the confidence prior to the game, throughout the fixture and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds' season, but City found a measure of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"