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

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the interval

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied after the break after a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the restart

And with City clearly struggling to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue fresh instructions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just try to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in an attempt 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"

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored fewer top-flight strikes this season

Tactical Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

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

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put two in attack and changed the formation a little bit," commented Foden

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

Positive Signs for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds lost four consecutive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main feeling is frustration", their second period display provided sufficient evidence to suggest they are capable of halting their present form and moving up the standings

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

"We possessed the belief before the game, during the fixture and after the encounter. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

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

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but City found a measure of quality. They got away with one this evening"