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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has accused City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" in their top-flight match at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage ahead of the interval

Second Period Revival Thwarted

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

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. 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 up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"Unless we educate our footballers in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of 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 loss in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less top-flight goals this season

Tactical Changes

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

Talking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, harried us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and changed the setup a bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

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

However, while Daniel Farke said that "our main emotion is frustration", their second period performance offered sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of halting their current run and moving back up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a great chance to win the points," the manager continued

"We had the confidence prior to the game, during the fixture and after the game. Or else you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

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

"It appeared like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"