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Leeds manager Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" during their top-flight match at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the break after a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the resumption

And with City clearly 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 players to the sideline and deliver new directions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"Unless we teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having notched fewer top-flight goals this term

Strategic Changes

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

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only able to regroup after Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair up top and altered the setup a bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We got together on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds suffered four straight consecutive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our main emotion is frustration", their second-half performance offered sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of halting their present form and climbing back up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent chance to win the points," Farke continued

"We possessed the confidence prior to the match, throughout the fixture and after the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City found a bit of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"