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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City keeper 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 within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

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

And with City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and issue fresh instructions during the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

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

Strategic Adjustments

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

Talking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his team were only able to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

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

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

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The last time Leeds lost four successive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "their overriding emotion is frustration", their second period display provided enough proof to suggest they are able of arresting their current form and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the points," the manager added

"We had the belief before the game, throughout the fixture and after the game. Or else you can't respond with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City found a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"