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Leeds 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

The visitors made the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Revival Thwarted

However, Leeds rallied following the interval following a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and deliver new instructions during the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

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

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the interval that nearly turned around their situation

Talking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his team were only able to regroup following Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair in attack and altered the formation a little bit," commented Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. 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 make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds United lost four straight consecutive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "our main feeling is frustration", their second-half performance offered sufficient proof to indicate they are able of halting their current form and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should provide us lots of confidence. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity to win the points," Farke added

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, throughout the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

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

"It looked like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City found a measure of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"