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Leeds manager Daniel Farke has accused City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" during their top-flight match at Etihad Stadium

Leeds got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead before the interval

Second-Half Comeback Denied

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

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue fresh instructions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," 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 within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"Unless we educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just try to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored fewer top-flight goals this season

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a courageous choice at the half-time that nearly turned around their situation

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

"During the break we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair in attack and altered the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the game. We got together on the side of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds United lost four straight successive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second-half display provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their present run and climbing up the table

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a great chance to win the points," the manager continued

"We had the confidence before the match, during the fixture and following the encounter. Or else you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

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

"It appeared like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City discovered a bit of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"