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Leeds manager Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" during their Premier League fixture at the Etihad

The visitors made the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage ahead of the interval

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back following the interval after a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the resumption

And with City clearly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue new instructions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? 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 for the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League matches to place them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched fewer top-flight strikes this season

Strategic Adjustments

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

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his team were only capable to regroup after Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair up top and altered the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We got together on the side of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The last time Leeds lost four straight successive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "our main emotion is disappointment", their second period display provided sufficient evidence to suggest they are capable of halting their present form and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to win the points," Farke added

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, throughout the game and after the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

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

"It looked like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"