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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 match at Etihad Stadium

Leeds made the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

However, the visitors fought back following the interval following a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the resumption

And with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue new instructions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just try to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the interval that nearly turned around their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only capable to regroup following Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair in attack and altered the formation a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We got together on the side of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds suffered four consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their season ended with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "their overriding emotion is disappointment", their second-half performance offered sufficient proof to suggest they are able of arresting their current form and climbing back up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity to earn the results," the manager continued

"We had the confidence before the game, during the fixture and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

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

"Leeds can take a lot from this display 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 proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds United's season, but City found a bit of quality. They got away with one this evening"