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Leeds manager Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" in their top-flight fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

However, Leeds rallied after the interval following a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue new instructions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I ask the fourth official at this point if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we teach our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to place them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer top-flight strikes this season

Strategic Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure especially around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the interval that almost reversed their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only capable to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they put two in attack and altered the formation a little bit," commented Foden

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

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The last time Leeds suffered four straight consecutive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second period display offered sufficient evidence to suggest they are able of halting their present form and moving back up the standings

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

"We had the belief prior to the game, throughout the game and following the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

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