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

The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back following the break after a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the resumption

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and deliver new instructions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit 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 Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply try to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure especially around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that nearly turned around their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only capable to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair up top and altered the formation a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The last time Leeds United suffered four straight successive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with demotion

However, while Farke said that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half performance offered sufficient evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their current form and climbing up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to win the results," the manager continued

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, throughout the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

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

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