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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" during their top-flight match at the Etihad

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage ahead of the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

However, the visitors rallied after the interval following a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the restart

And with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver fresh directions during the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Coach's Frustration

"I questioned the assistant referee at this point if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched fewer top-flight goals this season

Tactical Adjustments

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

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only capable to reorganize after Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair up top and changed the formation a bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the field and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds lost four successive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second period display provided enough evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their present form and climbing back up the table

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

"We had the belief prior to the game, during the fixture and after the game. Or else you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

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