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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" during their Premier League fixture at the Etihad

The visitors made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage ahead of the interval

Second-Half Revival Denied

However, Leeds fought back following the interval following a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the restart

And with City visibly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue fresh instructions in the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less Premier League goals this term

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness particularly around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a bold choice at the interval that almost turned around their fortunes

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

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and changed the formation a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

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

However, while Daniel Farke said that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance provided enough proof to indicate they are capable of halting their current run and climbing back up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a great opportunity to win the results," Farke continued

"We possessed the belief before the game, throughout the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It looked like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds' campaign, but City discovered a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"