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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 top-flight match at the Etihad

Leeds got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Denied

However, Leeds rallied after the interval after a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the restart

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue fresh directions in the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we educate our footballers 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 fake injury in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League fixtures to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched less Premier League strikes this season

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that almost turned around their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his team were only capable to regroup following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and changed the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the match. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds United suffered four consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our main feeling is frustration", their second period performance offered sufficient evidence to suggest they are able of halting their present form and climbing up the standings

"To show such a display should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the points," Farke added

"We had the belief before the match, throughout the game and following the encounter. Or else you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

"Leeds United can take a lot from this display with the way they have played in this second period"

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City defenders"

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