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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 Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the interval

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied after the interval following a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the restart

And with City visibly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue fresh instructions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League goals this season

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure especially around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly turned around their situation

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and altered the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the match. We assembled on the edge of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds suffered four successive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "our main emotion is frustration", their second period performance offered sufficient proof to suggest they are able of halting their present form and moving back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we show such determination and unity we have a excellent chance to win the results," the manager added

"We possessed the belief before the match, during the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

"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 physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds United's season, but City found a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"