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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 top-flight fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

However, the visitors fought back after the break following a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the restart

And with City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions during the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less top-flight strikes this term

Strategic Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a bold choice at the half-time that nearly reversed 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 meeting with his players

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they put a pair in attack and altered the formation a bit," said Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the match. We got together on the side of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds lost four successive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second-half display provided enough evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their current form and moving back up the table

"To show such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to win the points," Farke continued

"We possessed the belief before the match, during the game and after the game. Or else you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

"Leeds can derive a lot from this performance with the manner 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 came on and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds' season, but City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"