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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

Leeds got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, the visitors fought back following the break following a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the resumption

And with City visibly struggling to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver new instructions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

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

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was nearly vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that nearly turned around their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his side were only capable to regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and altered the setup a bit," said Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

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

However, while Farke said that "their overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period performance provided enough evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their present form and moving back up the table

"To show such a performance should provide us plenty of confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to earn the results," the manager added

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

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this display with the way they have performed in this second half"

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City discovered a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"