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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 top-flight fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back following the interval following a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the resumption

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue new instructions during the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I ask the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and everything and if we simply try to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure particularly around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a courageous choice at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

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

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

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds lost four straight consecutive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with relegation

However, while Farke said that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second period display offered sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their present form and climbing up the table

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

"We possessed the confidence before the match, throughout the fixture and following the game. Or else you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds United's season, but City found a bit of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"