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

The visitors made the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the interval

Second-Half Revival Denied

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

And with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue new instructions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less top-flight strikes this season

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold decision at the interval that almost turned around their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and changed the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds United lost four successive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second period performance provided sufficient evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their present form and climbing back up the table

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

"We possessed the confidence before the match, throughout the fixture and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but City discovered a measure of quality. They got away with one this evening"