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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" in their top-flight fixture at the Etihad

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

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

Furthermore with City visibly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver new instructions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

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

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that nearly turned around their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot higher, they put a pair in attack and changed the formation a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds lost four straight consecutive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "our main emotion is disappointment", their second period display offered sufficient proof to indicate they are able of arresting their present run and climbing up the table

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of belief. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the points," Farke continued

"We had the confidence before the game, during the game and after the game. Or else you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds' campaign, but City discovered a measure of quality. They escaped with one this evening"