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

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, the visitors fought back following the interval following a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and deliver new instructions in the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less Premier League goals this season

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only able to regroup after Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

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

"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds lost four straight successive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second period performance provided sufficient proof to indicate they are able of arresting their present run and moving up the standings

"To show such a performance should provide us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent chance to earn the points," Farke added

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, throughout the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

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

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