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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has accused City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" in their Premier League fixture at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the interval

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

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

And with City clearly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue fresh directions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. 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 solution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"Unless we educate our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Late Winner

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

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness particularly around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that nearly reversed their situation

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side were only capable to reorganize after Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair in attack and changed the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds United suffered four consecutive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance provided enough proof to indicate they are capable of halting their present run and moving back up the table

"To show such a display should give us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to earn the results," the manager added

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

Expert Analysis

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

"Leeds can take a lot from this display with the manner they have performed in this second period"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds' season, but City discovered a measure of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"