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

The visitors made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, Leeds rallied following the break following a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue new directions in the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we simply try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched fewer Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that almost reversed their situation

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

"During the break we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair up top and changed the formation a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the match. We assembled on the side of the pitch and changed a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The last time Leeds lost four straight successive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with demotion

However, while Farke said that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second-half performance provided enough evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their present run and climbing up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a great chance to win the points," Farke added

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

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but City found a measure of quality. They got away with one this evening"