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

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the break after a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the resumption

And with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue fresh instructions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. 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 keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and everything and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having notched fewer top-flight strikes this term

Strategic Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a courageous decision at the interval that almost reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put two in attack and changed the formation a little bit," said Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the match. We got together 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 Signs for Leeds United

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

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance provided sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of halting their current form and climbing up the table

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

"We possessed the confidence prior to the game, throughout the game and following the game. Or else you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward win 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 manner they have performed in this second half"

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

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