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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" in their top-flight fixture at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

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

And with City clearly struggling to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue fresh directions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. 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 up to the governing bodies to find a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I ask the fourth official at this moment if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League goals this term

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly turned around their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize following Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two up top and changed the formation a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds lost four consecutive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their season ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main feeling is frustration", their second period display offered enough proof to suggest they are able of halting their current run and moving back up the table

"Displaying such a performance should provide us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a great opportunity to earn the points," Farke added

"We had the belief before the game, during the game and following the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds' season, but Manchester City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"