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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 Premier League match at the Etihad

Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the interval

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied following the break following a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the resumption

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver fresh directions in the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we educate our footballers in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having scored fewer top-flight strikes this season

Strategic Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost reversed their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only capable to reorganize following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the formation a little bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four successive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their season ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "their overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance offered enough evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their current form and moving up the standings

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

"We possessed the confidence prior to the game, during the fixture and after the encounter. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

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

"Leeds can take a lot from this performance with the way they have played in this second period"

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

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