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Leeds 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 beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the interval

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back after the break after a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the resumption

And with City visibly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

"I ask the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League matches to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less Premier League strikes this season

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold choice at the half-time that nearly turned around their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only capable to regroup after Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they deployed a pair up top and altered the setup a bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the game. We got together on the side of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds United lost four straight successive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke said that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second-half display offered enough proof to suggest they are able of halting their current form and moving back up the table

"To show such a display should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent chance to win the results," the manager continued

"We had the confidence prior to the match, during the game and following the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

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

"Leeds United can take a lot from this performance 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 should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds' season, but Manchester City discovered a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"