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

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, the visitors fought back after the break following a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions in the two minutes 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 smart. If I like it? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I ask the fourth official at this point if you want to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less Premier League goals this season

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold choice at the half-time that nearly reversed their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his team were only able to regroup after Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and changed the setup a little bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds lost four straight successive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second-half display provided sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of halting their present run and moving back up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to win the points," Farke continued

"We had the belief prior to the match, during the game and following the game. Or else you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned 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 massive pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City discovered a bit of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"