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

Leeds got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back following the interval following a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the restart

And with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver new directions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? 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 assistant referee at this moment if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we educate our footballers in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

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

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure especially around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the interval that almost turned around their fortunes

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

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two in attack and altered the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the match. We assembled on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds United lost four successive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with relegation

However, while Farke said that "their overriding emotion is frustration", their second-half display provided enough proof to indicate they are capable of halting their present form and moving up the table

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

"We possessed the confidence prior to the match, during the game and following the encounter. Or else you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone 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 manner they have performed in this second period"

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City discovered a bit of quality. They escaped with one this evening"