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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" during their top-flight fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

However, Leeds fought back following the break following a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver new directions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. 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 sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Frustration

"I ask the assistant referee at this moment if you want to take action. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we educate our players in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to place them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less top-flight strikes this term

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was nearly vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only capable to regroup after Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two up top and changed the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the field and changed a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The last time Leeds lost four straight successive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke said that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second-half display offered enough evidence to suggest they are capable of halting their present run and moving back up the standings

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the points," Farke added

"We had the belief prior to the match, throughout the game and after the encounter. Or else you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

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

"It appeared like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds' campaign, but City found a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"