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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" during their top-flight fixture at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, Leeds rallied after the interval after a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the resumption

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and deliver new instructions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. 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 reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra 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 stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure particularly around changes, was almost rewarded for a courageous choice at the interval that almost reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side were only capable to reorganize following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and altered the formation a little bit," commented Phil Foden

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

Positive Signs for Leeds

The last time Leeds United suffered four straight successive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period display provided enough evidence to suggest they are capable of halting their current run and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should provide us plenty of belief. If we show such determination and unity we have a great opportunity to earn the results," Farke continued

"We had the belief prior to the match, during the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this performance with the way 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 was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

"It looked like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City found a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"