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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" in their top-flight fixture at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

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

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and deliver new instructions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our players in the game what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched less top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the interval that almost reversed their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only able to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair in attack and altered the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the match. We assembled on the edge of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

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

However, while Farke said that "their overriding emotion is frustration", their second-half performance offered sufficient proof to suggest they are able of halting their current form and moving back up the table

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent chance to earn the points," Farke continued

"We possessed the confidence before the match, during the game and after the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds United's season, but City found a bit of quality. They got away with one this evening"