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

The visitors made the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the interval

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

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

And with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

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

Strategic Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a bold decision at the interval that almost reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only able to regroup following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and changed the formation a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We assembled on the side of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds United lost four successive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with demotion

However, while Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second period performance provided sufficient proof to suggest they are able of arresting their current form and moving back up the table

"Displaying such a display should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity to earn the points," the manager added

"We had the belief before the game, throughout the game and after the encounter. Or else you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

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

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

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