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Leeds manager Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" during their Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors made the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back after the break following a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the resumption

Furthermore with City clearly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver fresh directions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"Unless we teach our footballers in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the interval that nearly reversed their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize after Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two up top and altered the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the match. We got together on the side of the field and changed a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds United lost four successive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their season ended with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke said that "their overriding emotion is disappointment", their second-half performance provided sufficient evidence to suggest they are able of halting their present run and moving back up the table

"To show such a performance should provide us lots of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a great opportunity to earn the results," Farke added

"We had the confidence before the game, during the game and after the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds United can take a lot from this display with the manner they have performed in this second half"

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

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