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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 top-flight fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the interval following a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue fresh instructions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this moment if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and everything and if we just try to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight matches to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer top-flight goals this season

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness especially around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

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

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

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the match. We assembled on the side of the pitch and changed a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds United suffered four straight successive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second-half display provided sufficient proof to suggest they are able of halting their present run and climbing back up the standings

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

"We possessed the confidence before the match, throughout the game and after the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City discovered a bit of quality. They escaped with one this evening"