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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 Premier League match at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, the visitors rallied after the break after a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the resumption

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue fresh directions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. 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 for the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and everything and if we just attempt to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored fewer top-flight strikes this season

Tactical Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the interval that nearly turned around their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his team were only able to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they deployed two in attack and altered the formation a little bit," said Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last time Leeds United lost four straight consecutive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second period display offered enough proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their current run and moving back up the table

"To show such a performance should give us plenty of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the points," Farke added

"We possessed the belief before the game, during the fixture and following the encounter. Or else you can't come back with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

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

"It appeared like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City found a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"