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

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

However, Leeds fought back following the break following a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the restart

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue new directions in the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"Unless we educate our footballers in football what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to place them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less top-flight goals this season

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure especially around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a bold decision at the interval that almost reversed their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup after Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and changed the formation a bit," said Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the game. We assembled on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds suffered four straight successive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their season ended with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second period display offered enough proof to suggest they are able of halting their current form and climbing back up the table

"To show such a performance should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a excellent chance to earn the points," Farke continued

"We had the belief prior to the match, throughout the game and following the game. Or else you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It looked like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds United's season, but City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"