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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" during their top-flight match at Etihad Stadium

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, Leeds fought back after the break following a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the restart

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and deliver new directions in the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit 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"

Manager's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

"Unless we educate our footballers in football what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and everything and if we just attempt to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer top-flight goals this season

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the interval that nearly turned around their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only able to regroup following Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

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

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the game. We assembled on the side of the field and changed a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds United lost four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with demotion

However, while Farke stated that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half performance provided sufficient proof to suggest they are able of arresting their present form and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of belief. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to win the points," Farke continued

"We had the belief before the match, during the fixture and after the game. 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, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

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

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