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

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead before the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, Leeds fought back after the break after a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the restart

Furthermore with City clearly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue fresh instructions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with 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 solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"Unless we teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less top-flight strikes this season

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup following Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two up top and altered the setup a bit," commented Foden

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

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds United lost four consecutive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second-half performance offered sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their current form and climbing back up the table

"Displaying such a display should give us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a great chance to earn the results," the manager added

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, throughout the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

"Following that were 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 centre-backs"

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