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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 beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the interval

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

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

And with City clearly struggling to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue new instructions in the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually 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 can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Changes

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

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only able to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"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," commented Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds lost four straight successive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period performance offered sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their current run and moving back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a great chance to earn the points," Farke continued

"We had the confidence before the match, during the fixture and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but City found a measure of quality. They escaped with one this evening"