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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 fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back following the break following a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the restart

And with City clearly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and issue fresh directions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you want to take action. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we 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 actually do a fake injury in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored fewer top-flight strikes this season

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness particularly around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that nearly turned around their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side were only capable to regroup following Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot higher, they deployed two in attack and changed the formation a bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the game. We assembled on the side of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

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

However, while Farke said that "their overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half display offered enough evidence to indicate they are able of halting their present run and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should provide us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a great opportunity to earn the results," the manager added

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, throughout the game and after the game. Or else you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds can take a lot from this performance with the manner they have performed in this second half"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City discovered a bit of quality. They got away with one this evening"