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

Leeds made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied after the break after a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the resumption

And with City visibly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't 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 in line with the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play 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 myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less top-flight goals this season

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness especially around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that almost turned around their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his team were only able to regroup following Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair up top and altered the formation a bit," commented Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the match. We got together on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds suffered four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period performance provided sufficient proof to indicate they are able of arresting their current form and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a display should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a excellent opportunity to win the results," the manager continued

"We had the confidence before the match, during the fixture and after the encounter. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this display with the way they have played in this second half"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced 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 found a bit of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"