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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has accused City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" during their Premier League match at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

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

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and issue fresh instructions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

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

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you want to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just try to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less Premier League strikes this season

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure particularly around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a courageous decision at the interval that almost turned around their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup following Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and altered the setup a bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

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

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second period performance offered enough proof to indicate they are able of halting their present form and moving back up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we show such determination and unity we have a great opportunity to earn the points," the manager continued

"We had the confidence before the game, during the fixture and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this display with the manner they have performed in this second half"

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

"It looked like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but City found a bit of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"