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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" in their Premier League match at the Etihad

Leeds made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back after the interval following a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the restart

Furthermore with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue fresh directions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"If we don't educate our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we just try to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched less top-flight goals this term

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his team were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two up top and altered the setup a bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the game. We got together on the side of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds United lost four successive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main feeling is frustration", their second period display provided enough proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their present run and moving back up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of confidence. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity to win the points," the manager continued

"We had the confidence prior to the match, throughout the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds United can take a lot from this display with the manner they have played in this second half"

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

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