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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has accused City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" in their Premier League fixture at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the interval

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

However, the visitors rallied after the interval following a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the resumption

And with City visibly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue new instructions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"Unless we educate our footballers in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup after Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

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

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

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

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their main emotion is frustration", their second period performance provided enough evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their present run and climbing up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a great chance to win the results," the manager added

"We had the confidence before the game, during the game and after the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds United's season, but City discovered a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"