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

Leeds made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

However, Leeds fought back following the break following a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the restart

And with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue fresh directions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

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

Manager's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having notched less top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure especially around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that almost turned around their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his team were only capable to regroup after Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in command. Second half they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and changed the formation a little bit," commented Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the game. We got together on the side of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last time Leeds United lost four straight successive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their season ended with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke said that "their overriding emotion is disappointment", their second-half display offered enough evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their current run and climbing up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should provide us lots of belief. If we show such spirit and unity we have a excellent chance to win the points," the manager continued

"We had the confidence prior to the match, during the game and after the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds can take a lot from this display with the manner they have played in this second period"

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but City discovered a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"