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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 top-flight match at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, Leeds fought back after the interval following a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue fresh instructions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? 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 want to do something. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and everything and if we just try to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched less Premier League goals this term

Strategic Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold choice at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his side were only able to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair in attack and changed the formation a bit," said Foden

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

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds United lost four successive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with relegation

However, while Farke said that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second period performance offered enough proof to indicate they are able of halting their current form and moving back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a great chance to win the points," the manager continued

"We possessed the belief before the game, during the fixture and after the game. Or else you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

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

"Leeds United can take a lot from this performance with the manner they have played in this second half"

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

"It appeared like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but City discovered a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"