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

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back following the break following a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver new directions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everybody understands why he went down," 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 clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this point if you want to do something. 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 simply attempt to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

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

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness particularly around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the interval that almost reversed their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only capable to regroup after Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"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 setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The last time Leeds suffered four straight consecutive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their main feeling is frustration", their second-half performance provided enough evidence to indicate they are able of halting their present form and moving back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a great opportunity to win the results," the manager continued

"We had the belief before the game, throughout the fixture and following the game. Or else you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable 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"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City centre-backs"

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