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

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back after the break following a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver fresh directions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I questioned the assistant referee at this point if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we teach our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and everything and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team meeting, 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

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight matches to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having notched fewer top-flight goals this season

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that almost turned around their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his side were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in control. Second half they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair in attack and altered the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled 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 little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds United lost four straight consecutive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke said that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period display provided sufficient evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their current form and climbing back up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great opportunity to earn the results," the manager added

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, during the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds' campaign, but City discovered a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"