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

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage ahead of the interval

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

However, Leeds fought back after the interval after a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the restart

And with City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and deliver new directions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less top-flight strikes this season

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly turned around their situation

Talking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his team were only able to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put two in attack and altered the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the side of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

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

However, while Farke said that "their main emotion is frustration", their second period display offered enough proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their current run and moving up the table

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of belief. If we show such determination and unity we have a excellent opportunity to earn the points," Farke continued

"We possessed the belief before the match, throughout the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody 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 performance with the way they have played in this second period"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, 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 massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City found a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"