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

The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead ahead of the interval

Second-Half Revival Denied

However, the visitors fought back following the interval after a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the restart

And with City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue new instructions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight matches to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having scored fewer top-flight strikes this season

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the interval that nearly turned around their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his team were only able to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair up top and altered the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We got together on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The last time Leeds suffered four consecutive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their season ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our main emotion is frustration", their second period display offered enough evidence to suggest they are able of halting their current form and moving back up the standings

"To show such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to win the results," Farke continued

"We had the confidence before the match, during the game and following the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but City found a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"