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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" during their Premier League fixture at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied after the break following a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the restart

And with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue new instructions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League matches to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched less top-flight strikes this term

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a courageous decision at the interval that nearly turned around their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize after Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put two up top and altered the setup a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We got together on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects 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 relegation

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main feeling is frustration", their second period performance provided enough evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their present run and climbing up the standings

"Displaying such a display should provide us lots of confidence. If we show such determination and unity we have a excellent opportunity to earn the results," the manager added

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, during the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

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

"Leeds can take a lot from this performance with the way they have performed in this second half"

"Then came 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 could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"