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

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the interval

Second-Half Revival Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied following the interval after a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the restart

And with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue fresh directions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and everything and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched fewer Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that nearly turned around their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his team were only capable to regroup after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

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

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last time Leeds United lost four consecutive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half display provided sufficient proof to suggest they are able of arresting their current form and climbing up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the points," the manager added

"We had the confidence before the game, throughout the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

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

"It looked like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"