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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" in their top-flight match 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' advantage before the interval

Second Period Revival Thwarted

However, the visitors rallied after the break after a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the restart

And with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver new directions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our players in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched fewer Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a bold choice at the interval that almost reversed their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his team were only capable to regroup following Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, harried us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and altered the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with demotion

However, while Farke said that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second period performance offered sufficient evidence to indicate they are able of halting their present run and climbing up the standings

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a great opportunity to win the results," the manager added

"We had the confidence before the game, throughout the game and after the game. Or else you can't respond with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this performance with the way they have played in this second half"

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

"It appeared like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but City found a bit of quality. They got away with one this evening"