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

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

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

And with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue new directions in 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 regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Frustration

"I ask the fourth official at this moment if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"Unless we educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less Premier League strikes this season

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only capable to regroup after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and changed the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds United lost four consecutive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second period display provided enough evidence to suggest they are capable of halting their present run and climbing up the table

"To show such a display should provide us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the results," the manager added

"We had the confidence prior to the match, throughout the fixture and after the game. Or else you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

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

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

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