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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" in their top-flight match 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 ahead of 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 netting immediately after the restart

And with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue fresh instructions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not 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 within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I ask the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt to bend the rules and even 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 have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched fewer Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that nearly turned around their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only capable to regroup after Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two up top and changed the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds suffered four consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with relegation

However, while Farke said that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second-half display provided enough evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their present form and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we show such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to earn the points," the manager added

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, throughout the fixture and after the encounter. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

"Leeds United can take a lot from this display with the way they have played in this second half"

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but Manchester City found a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"