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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 match at Etihad Stadium

Leeds made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the interval following a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the resumption

And with City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and deliver new directions in the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less Premier League goals this season

Tactical Changes

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

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side were only capable to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two in attack and altered the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the match. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds suffered four straight successive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their overriding emotion is disappointment", their second-half display offered enough proof to suggest they are able of halting their present form and climbing up the standings

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of belief. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to win the points," Farke added

"We possessed the belief before the game, throughout the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It looked like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City found a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"