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

Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

However, the visitors fought back after the break following a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the resumption

And with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue fresh directions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I approve? 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 governing bodies to find a solution"

Coach's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our players in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we just try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having notched fewer Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure particularly around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a bold decision at the interval that almost reversed their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup following Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair in attack and changed the formation a bit," said Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the game. We got together on the side of the pitch and changed a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with demotion

However, while Farke stated that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second period display provided enough evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their present run and climbing back up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a great opportunity to win the points," Farke continued

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, throughout the game and following the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a showing like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

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

"It looked like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City discovered a measure of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"