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

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back after the break after a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and issue fresh directions during the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everybody knows 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 approve? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I ask the fourth official at this point if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to place them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched fewer top-flight strikes this season

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that nearly turned around their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his side were only able to regroup after Pep 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 two up top and altered the formation a bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the game. We got together on the side of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The last time Leeds United lost four straight consecutive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "their overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period display provided sufficient proof to indicate they are able of halting their present form and climbing up the table

"To show such a display should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent chance to win the results," the manager continued

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, during the game and following the game. Or else you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City defenders"

"It looked like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but City discovered a bit of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"