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

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage ahead of the interval

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

However, Leeds fought back following the interval following a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue fresh instructions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this point if you want to take action. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our players in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League matches to place them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer top-flight strikes this season

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold choice at the interval that nearly turned around their situation

Talking to television pundits, Foden, said that his side were only able to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair up top and altered the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds United lost four straight successive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their season ended with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "their main feeling is frustration", their second-half performance offered sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their present form and climbing back up the table

"To show such a performance should give us plenty of belief. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity to earn the points," the manager continued

"We had the confidence prior to the match, throughout the game and after the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

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

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

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