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

Leeds made the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead before the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

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

And with City clearly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue fresh directions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Coach's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in regards 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 talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League strikes this season

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost turned around their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only able to regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

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

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the match. We assembled on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds lost four straight consecutive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our overriding emotion is frustration", their second period display offered enough proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their present run and climbing up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a excellent chance to win the results," Farke added

"We possessed the confidence prior to the game, during the fixture and after the game. Or else you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

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