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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 match at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

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

And with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver new instructions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

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

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure particularly around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the interval that almost reversed their situation

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

"During the break we were in control. Second half they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two up top and changed the setup a bit," commented Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds United suffered four consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke said that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second-half performance offered sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their present form and climbing up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to earn the points," the manager continued

"We had the confidence prior to the game, during the fixture and following the game. Or else you can't come back with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

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

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

"It looked like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City discovered a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"