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

Leeds made the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, the visitors fought back after the interval after a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the restart

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue new instructions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less Premier League goals this term

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness particularly around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost turned around their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his team were only capable to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put two in attack and altered the formation a bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the game. We got together on the side of the field and changed a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

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

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second period performance provided enough evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their current form and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a great chance to earn the points," Farke added

"We possessed the belief before the game, during the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable 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 played in this second period"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, 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 appeared like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City discovered a measure of quality. They escaped with one this evening"