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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 made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back following the break after a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the resumption

And with City visibly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue new instructions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

"I ask the fourth official at this point if you want to take action. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we just try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to place them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched fewer top-flight goals this season

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost turned around their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only capable to regroup after Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they deployed a pair up top and changed the formation a bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the match. We got together on the side of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds United suffered four consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second period performance offered sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of halting their current form and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to win the results," Farke continued

"We had the confidence before the match, throughout the game and after the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised 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 might be a massive turning point in Leeds' season, but City discovered a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"