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

The visitors got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage before the interval

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back after the interval following a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue fresh instructions in the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored fewer top-flight goals this season

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a courageous choice at the half-time that nearly turned around their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his side were only able to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair up top and changed the formation a little bit," said Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the game. 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

The most recent occasion Leeds United lost four straight successive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their season ended with relegation

However, while Farke said that "their overriding emotion is frustration", their second-half performance provided enough evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their present run and moving up the standings

"To show such a display should give us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to win the points," the manager continued

"We possessed the belief before the game, during the game and following the encounter. Or else you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

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

"It looked like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but City discovered a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"