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

Leeds made the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Denied

However, Leeds rallied after the interval after a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the resumption

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver fresh directions during the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to find a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and everything and if we just attempt to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer top-flight goals this term

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold decision at the interval that nearly reversed their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only able to regroup following Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair up top and altered the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The last time Leeds lost four straight successive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half display offered sufficient evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their present form and moving up the table

"To show such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a excellent chance to earn the points," the manager added

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, throughout the fixture and after the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City defenders"

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