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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 scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, Leeds fought back after the interval following a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue new directions in the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell 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 find a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our players in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to place them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League goals this term

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold choice at the half-time that almost turned around their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two in attack and altered the formation a little 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 little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds suffered four straight consecutive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their main emotion is frustration", their second period performance offered sufficient evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their current form and moving up the table

"To show such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to earn the results," Farke added

"We possessed the confidence prior to the match, throughout the game and following the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

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