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

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, the visitors fought back after the break after a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the restart

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue fresh directions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I ask the fourth official at this moment if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we educate our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less top-flight goals this season

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness particularly around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a bold choice at the interval that nearly turned around their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his team were only able to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds United suffered four consecutive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our main emotion is frustration", their second-half display offered enough proof to suggest they are capable of halting their present form and climbing up the standings

"To show such a performance should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the results," Farke continued

"We had the belief prior to the match, throughout the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It looked like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds' campaign, but City discovered a measure of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"