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Leeds United 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 made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

However, Leeds fought back following the break after a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the restart

And with City clearly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and issue new instructions during the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I questioned the assistant referee at this point if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight matches to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less top-flight goals this season

Strategic Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the interval that nearly turned around their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his side were only capable to regroup following Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put two up top and altered the formation a little bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the match. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The last time Leeds suffered four straight successive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with demotion

However, while Farke stated that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance provided sufficient proof to indicate they are able of halting their current run and climbing up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent chance to win the results," Farke added

"We possessed the confidence prior to the game, throughout the game and following the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this performance with the way they have played in this second period"

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City found a measure of quality. They escaped with one this evening"