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

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

However, the visitors fought back after the interval following a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

And with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue new instructions during the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"Unless we teach our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

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

Strategic Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the interval that nearly turned around their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his side were only able to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair in attack and altered the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the match. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The last time Leeds United lost four straight consecutive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke said that "our main emotion is frustration", their second period performance offered enough evidence to indicate they are able of halting their present run and climbing back up the table

"To show such a performance should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great opportunity to earn the results," Farke added

"We had the confidence prior to the game, during the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but City discovered a measure of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"