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

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

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

Furthermore with City clearly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue fresh instructions in the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I like it? 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 governing bodies to find a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our players in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra 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

Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight strikes this season

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only capable to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair up top and changed the setup a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the match. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

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

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our main emotion is disappointment", their second-half performance provided enough proof to suggest they are capable of halting their present form and moving up the table

"To show such a display should provide us lots of belief. If we show such determination and unity we have a excellent opportunity to win the results," the manager added

"We possessed the belief before the match, throughout the fixture and after the game. Or else you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "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 performed in this second period"

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

"It looked like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds' season, but Manchester City found a measure of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"