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

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the interval

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back following the break following a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the restart

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions during the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this point if you wish to take action. 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 even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched fewer Premier League goals this season

Tactical Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a courageous choice at the interval that almost turned around their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his team were only able to reorganize following Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair in attack and altered the formation a bit," said Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds United lost four straight successive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their overriding emotion is frustration", their second-half performance offered enough proof to indicate they are capable of halting their present run and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to win the results," Farke added

"We had the confidence prior to the game, throughout the game and after the encounter. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds can derive a lot from this performance with the manner they have performed in this second period"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

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