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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City keeper 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 inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied following the interval following a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the restart

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue new directions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you want to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't teach our players in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra 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

Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League goals this season

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold choice at the interval that nearly reversed their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only able to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair up top and altered the setup a bit," said Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The last time Leeds suffered four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second period performance offered sufficient proof to indicate they are able of halting their current run and moving back up the table

"To show such a performance should give us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a great opportunity to earn the points," Farke continued

"We possessed the confidence prior to the game, throughout the game and after the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

"Leeds can derive a lot from this performance with the manner they have played in this second half"

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It looked like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but City found a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"