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

Leeds got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Revival Thwarted

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

Furthermore with City visibly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and deliver new directions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply try 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 regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight strikes this season

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a courageous choice at the interval that almost reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side were only capable to regroup following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

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

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The last time Leeds United lost four consecutive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke said that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period performance provided enough proof to suggest they are able of arresting their present run and moving back up the standings

"To show such a performance should provide us plenty of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the points," the manager added

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

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

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

"It appeared like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but City found a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"