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

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, the visitors fought back after the break following a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue fresh instructions in the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"Unless we teach our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds United 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 goals this season

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that almost turned around their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only able to regroup following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair in attack and changed the setup a bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the side of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four straight successive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half performance provided enough proof to suggest they are able of arresting their current form and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity to earn the points," Farke continued

"We had the confidence prior to the game, during the fixture and after the game. Or else you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds can derive 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 questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

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