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

The visitors got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

However, the visitors fought back after the break following a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue fresh instructions during the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our players in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight matches to place them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer top-flight strikes this term

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure particularly around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that nearly turned around their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only able to regroup after Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and changed the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the match. We got together on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds lost four straight consecutive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke said that "their overriding emotion is frustration", their second period performance provided sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of halting their present run and climbing up the table

"To show such a display should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the points," Farke continued

"We possessed the confidence prior to the game, during the game and after the game. Or else you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently 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 appeared like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City found a measure of quality. They escaped with one this evening"