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

The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

However, Leeds fought back after the interval after a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the resumption

And with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and deliver new instructions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep 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 want to take action. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League goals this term

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness particularly around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a courageous decision at the interval that almost reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair in attack and changed the formation a bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the match. We got together on the side of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds United lost four straight successive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

However, while Farke said that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second period display provided enough evidence to indicate they are capable of halting their present run and climbing back up the table

"Displaying such a display should give us lots of belief. If we show such determination and unity we have a excellent chance to earn the points," Farke continued

"We had the confidence before the game, during the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but City discovered a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"