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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 the Etihad

The visitors made the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, the visitors fought back following the interval after a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the restart

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver fresh directions during the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer top-flight strikes this season

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous choice at the interval that nearly turned around their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they deployed two up top and changed the setup a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last time Leeds United lost four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half performance offered enough evidence to indicate they are capable of halting their current form and climbing up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to win the results," the manager continued

"We had the confidence prior to the game, throughout the game and after the game. Or else you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

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

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