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Leeds manager Daniel Farke has accused Manchester 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 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 Revival Denied

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

And with City clearly having difficulty to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue new instructions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and everything and if we just try to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored fewer top-flight goals this term

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a bold choice at the interval that almost turned around their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only able to regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and changed the formation a little bit," said Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the side of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

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

However, while Daniel Farke said that "our main emotion is disappointment", their second-half display provided sufficient evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their present run and climbing up the table

"To show such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity to win the points," the manager continued

"We had the confidence prior to the game, during the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this performance with the way they have played in this second period"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City defenders"

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