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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has accused City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" in their top-flight fixture at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

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

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions during the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just try to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an additional 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 stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less top-flight goals this term

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his side were only able to reorganize after Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair in attack and changed the formation a bit," said Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the match. We assembled on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds United lost four consecutive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke said that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second period display provided enough proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their current form and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a display should provide us lots of belief. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to earn the results," the manager continued

"We possessed the confidence before the match, throughout the game and after the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

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

"It looked like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but City discovered a measure of quality. They escaped with one this evening"