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Leeds manager Daniel Farke has accused City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" in their Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the interval

Second-Half Comeback Denied

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

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver new instructions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less top-flight strikes this season

Strategic Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly turned around their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his team were only able to regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. 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 genuinely struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds suffered four straight consecutive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our main emotion is disappointment", their second period performance offered enough proof to suggest they are able of halting their present run and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to earn the results," the manager added

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, during the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds United's season, but City found a measure of quality. They escaped with one this evening"