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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has accused City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" in their top-flight fixture at the Etihad

Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the interval

Second-Half Revival Denied

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

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver new directions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this moment if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we educate our players in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we just try to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having notched fewer top-flight goals this season

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that almost turned around their situation

Talking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize following Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and altered the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The last time Leeds suffered four consecutive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half performance offered sufficient evidence to suggest they are capable of halting their current form and climbing up the table

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

"We had the belief before the match, throughout the game and after the game. Or else you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but City discovered a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"