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Leeds manager Daniel Farke has accused City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" in their top-flight match at Etihad Stadium

Leeds made the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied following the break following a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the restart

And with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue fresh directions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League matches to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less top-flight strikes this season

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness particularly around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his side were only able to regroup following Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in control. Second half they came out, harried us a lot higher, they deployed a pair up top and altered the formation a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds suffered four straight successive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second period performance offered sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of halting their present run and moving back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a excellent chance to earn the results," the manager added

"We possessed the confidence before the game, throughout the game and after the encounter. Or else you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

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

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