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

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back after the break following a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the restart

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver new directions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less top-flight goals this term

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold choice at the half-time that almost reversed their situation

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only able to regroup following Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

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

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We got together on the side of the pitch and changed a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second period performance offered enough proof to indicate they are able of halting their current form and moving 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 had the confidence prior to the game, throughout the fixture and following the encounter. Or else you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds can derive a lot from this display with the manner they have performed in this second half"

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

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