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

Leeds made the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the interval

Second-Half Revival Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back after the interval following a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the restart

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and deliver new instructions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within 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 solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched fewer Premier League goals this term

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure particularly around changes, was nearly vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly turned around their situation

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

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two in attack and altered the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds lost four straight successive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second-half display provided sufficient proof to suggest they are able of arresting their current form and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the results," the manager continued

"We had the belief before the game, throughout the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but City discovered a measure of quality. They escaped with one this evening"