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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has accused City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" during 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 hosts' advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

However, the visitors fought back after the break after a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

Furthermore with City visibly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver new instructions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you want to take action. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we teach our players in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply try to exploit regulations 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 Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having notched fewer top-flight goals this term

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold choice at the half-time that almost turned around their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only capable to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two up top and changed the setup a bit," said Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

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

However, while Farke said that "their main feeling is frustration", their second period display provided enough proof to suggest they are capable of halting their current run and moving up the table

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity to earn the results," Farke added

"We possessed the confidence before the game, throughout the fixture and following the game. Or else you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have great unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

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

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