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

The visitors got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, the visitors fought back following the interval following a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the restart

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our footballers in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just try to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer top-flight goals this season

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was nearly vindicated for a bold decision at the interval that almost reversed their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his team were only capable to regroup after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair up top and changed the formation a bit," commented Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We assembled on the side of the field and changed a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds United suffered four consecutive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke said that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second period performance offered sufficient evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their current form and moving back up the table

"Displaying such a performance should provide us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity to win the points," the manager continued

"We had the belief before the match, during the fixture and following the game. Or else you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable win 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 adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds' season, but Manchester City discovered a bit of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"