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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 match at Etihad Stadium

Leeds made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

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

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and deliver new instructions during the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee 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 fair play and fair play and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having notched fewer top-flight goals this term

Strategic Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure particularly around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a courageous decision at the interval that nearly turned around their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, harried us a lot higher, they put two up top and changed the formation a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds suffered four consecutive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half display offered sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of halting their present run and climbing up the table

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

"We had the confidence prior to the game, during the game and following the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, 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 defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"