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

The visitors got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the interval

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

However, the visitors fought back following the break following a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver new instructions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less top-flight strikes this term

Strategic Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous choice at the interval that nearly reversed their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to reorganize following Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two up top and changed the setup a bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds United suffered four successive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our overriding emotion is frustration", their second-half performance provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are able of halting their present form and moving up the table

"To show such a display should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to win the points," Farke continued

"We had the confidence prior to the game, throughout the fixture and after the encounter. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

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

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

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

"It appeared like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City found a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"