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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

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, the visitors rallied after the interval following a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue new directions in the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we educate our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched fewer top-flight goals this term

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the interval that almost reversed their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only capable to regroup after Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"During the break we were in command. Second half they came out, harried us a lot higher, they deployed two in attack and changed the setup a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the match. We got together on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four consecutive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their season ended with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second period display offered enough proof to suggest they are capable of halting their present run and climbing up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a great opportunity to earn the points," the manager added

"We possessed the confidence before the match, during the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

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

"It looked like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City found a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"