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

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, the visitors fought back after the break following a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver new directions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"Unless we educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having notched less top-flight strikes this term

Strategic Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a bold decision at the interval that nearly reversed their situation

Talking to television pundits, Foden, said that his side were only capable to reorganize after Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair up top and altered the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the side of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with demotion

However, while Farke stated that "our main emotion is frustration", their second period display provided enough proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their current run and moving back up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a excellent opportunity to earn the results," the manager continued

"We possessed the confidence prior to the game, during the game and after the encounter. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

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

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but City discovered a measure of quality. They got away with one this evening"