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

Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

However, the visitors fought back after the break following a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the restart

And with City visibly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue new instructions during the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

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 Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight goals this season

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that almost turned around their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair in attack and changed the formation a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The last time Leeds suffered four straight successive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "our main emotion is disappointment", their second-half performance offered enough proof to suggest they are capable of halting their present run and climbing up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great chance to win the points," the manager continued

"We had the confidence prior to the match, throughout the fixture and after the encounter. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

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

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds' season, but Manchester City discovered a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"