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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

Leeds made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, the visitors rallied after the interval after a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue fresh directions during the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and everything 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 approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having scored fewer Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous decision at the interval that nearly turned around their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his team were only able to reorganize following Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they deployed a pair up top and changed the setup a little bit," commented Phil Foden

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

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

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

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half display offered enough evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their current form and moving back up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to earn the points," Farke added

"We possessed the confidence before the game, during the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable 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 half"

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

"It appeared like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds' campaign, but City found a bit of quality. They escaped with one this evening"