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

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

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

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue new instructions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"Unless we educate our players in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League matches to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League strikes this season

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a courageous decision at the interval that almost reversed their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his team were only capable to regroup after Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put two in attack and altered the formation a bit," said Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the game. We assembled on the side of the field and changed a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The last time Leeds suffered four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their main feeling is frustration", their second period display provided enough evidence to indicate they are able of halting their current run and moving back up the table

"To show such a performance should provide us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the results," Farke added

"We had the belief prior to the match, throughout the game and following the game. Or else you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable win 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 half"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It looked like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City discovered a measure of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"