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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 top-flight fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back following the interval following a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the resumption

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and deliver fresh directions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

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

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that nearly reversed their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only able to regroup after Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and changed the formation a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds United suffered four consecutive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their season ended with relegation

However, while Farke said that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second-half display provided sufficient evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their present form and moving back up the table

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a great opportunity to earn the points," Farke added

"We had the confidence before the match, throughout the fixture and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It looked like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds' campaign, but City discovered a measure of quality. They got away with one this evening"