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

The visitors made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage ahead of the interval

Second-Half Revival Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back after the break following a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the restart

And with City clearly having difficulty to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue new instructions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you want to take action. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and everything and if we just try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer top-flight strikes this term

Strategic Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure particularly around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous choice at the interval that almost reversed their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his team were only able to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in command. Second half they came out, harried us a lot higher, they put two up top and changed the formation a bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the match. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

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

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half display offered enough evidence to suggest they are able of halting their present form and moving back up the table

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

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

Pundit Analysis

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

"Leeds can derive a lot from this performance with the manner they have performed in this second period"

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

"It looked like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City discovered a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"