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

Leeds got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, the visitors rallied after the interval following a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the restart

And with City clearly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue new instructions in the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time decisive goal 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 Wolves having scored less Premier League goals this term

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost reversed their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put two in attack and altered the setup a bit," said Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

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

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period display offered enough evidence to indicate they are able of halting their present form and climbing up the standings

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of belief. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity to earn the results," the manager continued

"We possessed the confidence prior to the match, during the game and after the game. Or else you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this display with the manner they have played in this second half"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City defenders"

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