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Leeds manager Daniel Farke has accused City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" in their Premier League fixture at the Etihad

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the interval

Second-Half Revival Denied

However, Leeds fought back after the interval following a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the resumption

And with City visibly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and deliver new instructions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having notched less Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Adjustments

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

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only capable to regroup after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two in attack and altered the formation a bit," said Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds lost four successive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "our main emotion is disappointment", their second period display offered sufficient evidence to suggest they are able of halting their present run and climbing back up the standings

"To show such a display should provide us lots of confidence. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity to earn the results," the manager added

"We possessed the confidence before the match, during the game and following the encounter. Or else you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds' season, but Manchester City found a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"