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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 Premier League match at the Etihad

Leeds got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the interval

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied following the interval following a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the resumption

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue new instructions in the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"Unless we teach our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League matches to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less top-flight goals this term

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold choice at the half-time that nearly turned around their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his side were only capable to reorganize following Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they came out, harried us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and changed the formation a little bit," said Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the field and changed a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second period performance provided enough evidence to suggest they are able of halting their present form and moving up the table

"To show such a performance should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a great opportunity to win the points," Farke added

"We possessed the confidence prior to the match, throughout the fixture and following the game. Or else you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

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