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

Leeds made the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead before the interval

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

However, Leeds rallied after the interval after a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and issue new directions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? 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 find a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less top-flight strikes this season

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that almost reversed their situation

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

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two in attack and changed the formation a bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We assembled on the edge of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds United lost four straight successive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half display provided sufficient proof to suggest they are able of arresting their present form and climbing back up the standings

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

"We had the belief prior to the game, during the game and after the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

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

"Then came 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 looked like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but Manchester City found a measure of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"