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

The visitors made the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the interval

Second-Half Revival Denied

However, the visitors rallied following the break after a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the restart

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the assistant referee at this point if you wish 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 fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to place them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less top-flight strikes this term

Strategic Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a courageous choice at the interval that nearly reversed their situation

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

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and changed the setup a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We assembled on the edge of the field and changed a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds United lost four consecutive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke said that "our main emotion is disappointment", their second period performance provided enough evidence to suggest they are able of halting their current run and moving up the table

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

"We had the confidence prior to the match, throughout the game and following the game. Or else you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds' campaign, but City found a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"