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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 match at the Etihad

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back following the break following a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the resumption

And with City visibly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver new instructions during the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a solution"

Coach's Frustration

"I ask the fourth official at this point if you want to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't teach our footballers in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having notched fewer Premier League goals this term

Tactical Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold choice at the interval that almost turned around their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his side were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they put two in attack and altered the formation a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The last time Leeds lost four straight successive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main feeling is frustration", their second-half performance provided sufficient proof to suggest they are able of arresting their present form and moving back up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we show such determination and unity we have a excellent chance to win the points," Farke added

"We had the belief before the game, during the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have great unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

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