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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" in their top-flight fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

However, the visitors fought back after the interval after a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue fresh directions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't educate our players in football 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 simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched fewer Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Changes

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

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

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair up top and altered the formation a bit," commented Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We assembled on the edge of the field and changed a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds suffered four straight consecutive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their overriding emotion is frustration", their second period performance provided sufficient evidence to suggest they are able of halting their present form and climbing up the standings

"To show such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a excellent chance to win the points," the manager added

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, during the game and after the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but City found a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"