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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" during their top-flight match at Etihad Stadium

Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied following the break after a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the resumption

And with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue fresh instructions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and everything and if we simply try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League goals this season

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Foden, said that his team were only able to regroup after Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair up top and altered the setup a little bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds United suffered four successive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with relegation

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

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great opportunity to win the results," the manager continued

"We had the belief prior to the match, during the game and after the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but City discovered a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"