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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 top-flight fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead before the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

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

And with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver fresh directions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

"I ask the fourth official at this point if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was nearly vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that nearly turned around their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only able to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two up top and changed the setup a bit," said Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the match. We assembled on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds United lost four successive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance provided enough evidence to suggest they are able of halting their current form and climbing up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent chance to win the points," Farke added

"We had the belief prior to the game, during the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

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

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

"It appeared like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds' season, but Manchester City discovered a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"