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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 match at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, Leeds rallied after the break after a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue new directions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down 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 sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"Unless we teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply try to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure particularly around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only able to regroup after Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

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

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

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

However, while Farke stated that "our overriding emotion is frustration", their second period display offered sufficient evidence to indicate they are capable of halting their current run and moving up the table

"Displaying such a display should give us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to earn the results," the manager continued

"We possessed the confidence before the game, during the game and after the game. Or else you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

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