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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has accused City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" during their top-flight match at Etihad Stadium

Leeds made the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, the visitors rallied following the interval after a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the resumption

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue new instructions during the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"Unless we teach our footballers in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less Premier League goals this term

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost reversed their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two in attack and altered the formation a bit," commented Phil Foden

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

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

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

However, while Farke said that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second period display provided enough proof to indicate they are able of halting their present run and moving 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 great chance to earn the points," Farke added

"We possessed the confidence prior to the game, during the game and after the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

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

"It looked like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City found a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"