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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 Premier League fixture at the Etihad

Leeds got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead ahead of the interval

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back following the interval following a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the resumption

Furthermore with City clearly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue fresh instructions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Frustration

"I questioned the assistant referee at this point if you want to do something. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we educate our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules and even 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 regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less top-flight goals this season

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a bold decision at the interval that almost reversed their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his team were only able to regroup following Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair in attack and changed the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the game. We assembled on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The last time Leeds United suffered four straight successive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke said that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second-half display provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their present run and moving back up the standings

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

"We had the belief prior to the game, during the game and following the game. Or else you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

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

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