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

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back after the interval after a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver new instructions in the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I ask the fourth official at this moment if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched less Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Changes

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

Talking to television pundits, Foden, said that his team were only capable to reorganize following Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and altered the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The last time Leeds United lost four consecutive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second period display provided sufficient proof to suggest they are able of arresting their current run and moving up the table

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

"We had the confidence before the match, throughout the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

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

"It appeared like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City discovered a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"