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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 Premier League match at Etihad Stadium

The visitors made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, Leeds rallied following the interval following a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the restart

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue fresh instructions in the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our footballers in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored fewer top-flight goals this term

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold choice at the interval that almost reversed their situation

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

"During the break we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put two in attack and altered the formation a bit," said Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

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

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our overriding emotion is frustration", their second-half display offered enough proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their current run and climbing back up the standings

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and unity we have a great opportunity to earn the points," Farke continued

"We had the confidence prior to the match, throughout the game and following the game. Or else you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

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

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"