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Leeds manager Daniel Farke has accused City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" during their Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage before the interval

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

However, Leeds fought back after the interval after a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue new directions during the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched fewer Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize after Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put two up top and altered the setup a bit," said Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the match. We got together on the side of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

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

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second period display provided enough proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their current run and climbing up the standings

"To show such a display should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to earn the results," the manager added

"We possessed the confidence prior to the game, during the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

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

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City discovered a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"