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

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, Leeds fought back after the interval after a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the resumption

Furthermore with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue new instructions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

"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 the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and everything and if we just try to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight strikes this season

Strategic Changes

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

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his team were only able to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and changed the formation a bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the match. We got together on the side of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds United lost four straight consecutive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our main feeling is frustration", their second period display offered sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of halting their present form and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the points," Farke continued

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

Expert Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

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

"It appeared like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City discovered a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"