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

The visitors got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

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

And with City clearly having difficulty to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and deliver new instructions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? 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 determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we teach our footballers in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched less Premier League strikes this season

Strategic Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that nearly turned around their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Foden, said that his side were only capable to regroup following Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair up top and changed the setup a bit," said Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds lost four successive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance provided sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their present run and moving up the standings

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the results," the manager added

"We had the belief prior to the match, throughout the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City discovered a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"