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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 top-flight match at Etihad Stadium

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, Leeds rallied following the interval after a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions during the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. 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 solution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our players in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to place them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer Premier League strikes this season

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a bold choice at the interval that nearly turned around their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize after Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

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

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We assembled on the side of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds suffered four straight consecutive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half performance offered sufficient proof to suggest they are able of arresting their present form and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the results," Farke continued

"We had the confidence before the game, during the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

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

"It looked like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds' season, but City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"