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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke has accused City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" during their Premier League match at Etihad Stadium

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage ahead of the interval

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

However, the visitors fought back after the break after a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the resumption

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and deliver new directions in the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we teach our players in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just try to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness especially around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only able to regroup following Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair in attack and altered the formation a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold 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 Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds United suffered four consecutive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with demotion

However, while Farke said that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half display offered sufficient proof to suggest they are able of halting their current form and moving up the standings

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

"We had the confidence prior to the match, throughout the game and following the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

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

"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 physically challenged the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but City found a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"