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Leeds United manager 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 doubled the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

However, Leeds fought back after the break following a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the resumption

And with City visibly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue fresh instructions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. 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 ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned 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 regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in order to do an additional 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

Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to place them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having notched fewer Premier League goals this season

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the interval that almost reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two in attack and altered the formation a little bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. 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 Aspects for Leeds United

The last time Leeds United lost four consecutive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their main feeling is frustration", their second-half performance provided sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their present form and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of confidence. If we show such determination and unity we have a excellent opportunity to win the results," Farke added

"We had the confidence before the match, throughout the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you can't come back with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, 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 looked like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but City discovered a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"