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

The visitors made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

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

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver fresh directions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I ask the fourth official at this point if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our players in the game what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

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

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a bold decision at the interval that nearly reversed their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his team were only capable to reorganize after Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, harried us a lot higher, they deployed a pair up top and altered the formation a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds lost four consecutive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second period performance offered enough evidence to suggest they are capable of halting their current run and climbing up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to win the results," the manager added

"We had the belief prior to the match, throughout the fixture and after the game. Or else you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but City discovered a bit of quality. They got away with one this evening"