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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke has accused City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" during their top-flight match at Etihad Stadium

Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

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

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue fresh instructions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit 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 Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

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

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness especially around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their situation

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

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they deployed two in attack and altered the setup a bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the match. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last time Leeds suffered four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half display provided enough evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their present run and moving back up the table

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

"We had the confidence before the game, throughout the fixture and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable 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 adjustments, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but Manchester City discovered a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"