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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke has accused City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" in their Premier League match at Etihad Stadium

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage ahead of the interval

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied following the break after a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the restart

And with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue fresh instructions in the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our footballers in football 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 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 Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Adjustments

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

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put two in attack and altered the formation a little bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The last time Leeds lost four straight successive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their overriding emotion is frustration", their second-half display provided enough proof to indicate they are capable of halting their present form and moving back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a great chance to earn the points," Farke added

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, during the game and after the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It looked like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but Manchester City discovered a measure of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"