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

The visitors got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage ahead of the interval

Second-Half Revival Denied

However, the visitors fought back following the interval after a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the restart

Furthermore with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and issue new directions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the regulations. 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 keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you want to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't teach our footballers in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having notched fewer top-flight strikes this season

Strategic Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous decision at the interval that nearly turned around their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize after Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the setup a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the game. We assembled on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The last time Leeds suffered four successive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second-half display offered enough evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their present run and climbing up the table

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

"We possessed the confidence before the match, throughout the game and after the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

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

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

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