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

Leeds got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back following the interval after a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply try to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League goals this season

Strategic Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous decision at the interval that almost turned around their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair in attack and changed the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the field and changed a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

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

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our main feeling is frustration", their second-half performance offered enough proof to suggest they are capable of halting their present run and climbing back up the table

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to win the results," Farke continued

"We had the confidence prior to the game, during the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester 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 played in this second period"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It looked like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City found a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"