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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 Premier League match at the Etihad

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead ahead of the interval

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied following the interval following a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue new directions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"Unless we teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and everything and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost reversed their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only capable to regroup after Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two in attack and altered the setup a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The last time Leeds suffered four consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with demotion

However, while Farke said that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second-half performance offered sufficient evidence to suggest they are able of halting their present form and climbing back up the table

"To show such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we show such determination and unity we have a excellent chance to win the points," the manager added

"We possessed the confidence before the game, throughout the game and after the encounter. Or else you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but City discovered a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"