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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 got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back after the break after a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

And 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 team to the touchline and issue new directions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"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 approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't educate our footballers 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 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 allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched less top-flight goals this season

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

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

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and altered the formation a little bit," said Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds United lost four straight successive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second period display provided enough proof to suggest they are able of arresting their current run and moving up the table

"To show such a display should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the results," Farke continued

"We had the belief prior to the match, throughout the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

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