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Leeds manager 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 finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied following the break after a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the restart

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver new directions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell 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 fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less top-flight goals this term

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous choice at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize after Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot higher, they deployed two up top and changed the setup a bit," said Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds United lost four successive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance offered enough proof to suggest they are able of arresting their present form and moving up the table

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we show such determination and unity we have a great chance to win the results," the manager continued

"We possessed the belief before the match, during the fixture and after the encounter. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City discovered a measure of quality. They escaped with one this evening"