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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has accused City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" during their top-flight fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the interval after a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the resumption

And with City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and deliver fresh directions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"Unless we educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and everything and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having scored fewer Premier League goals this season

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure particularly around changes, was nearly vindicated for a bold choice at the interval that almost reversed their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only capable to regroup after Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, harried us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and changed the setup a bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds suffered four successive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with demotion

However, while Farke said that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second period display provided enough proof to suggest they are capable of halting their present run and moving up the table

"Displaying such a performance should provide us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the results," the manager added

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, during the game and after the game. Or else you can't come back with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

"Leeds can take a lot from this performance with the manner they have performed in this second period"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It looked like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but Manchester City discovered a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"