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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 Premier League match at Etihad Stadium

Leeds got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

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

And with City clearly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver new directions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer top-flight goals this term

Tactical Adjustments

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

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

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair up top and altered the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds suffered four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with demotion

However, while Farke stated that "their main feeling is frustration", their second-half display offered enough evidence to suggest they are capable of halting their current run and moving back up the table

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to win the results," Farke added

"We had the belief before the game, during the fixture and after the encounter. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

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

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