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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has accused City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" during their top-flight fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage before the interval

Second-Half Comeback Denied

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

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you want to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to place them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched fewer top-flight goals this season

Tactical Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that almost turned around their situation

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

"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 setup a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

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

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their overriding feeling is disappointment", their second period display provided enough proof to suggest they are capable of halting their present form and moving back up the standings

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

"We had the confidence before the match, during the game and after the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City centre-backs"

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