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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City goalkeeper 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 beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, Leeds fought back following the break following a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the resumption

And with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I like it? 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 determine a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you want 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 whatever and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional 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 injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League goals this term

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly turned around their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his team were only able to reorganize following Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

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

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the match. We got together on the side of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds United lost four successive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their season ended with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second-half display offered enough evidence to indicate they are able of halting their current form and climbing back up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we show such determination and unity we have a excellent chance to win the results," the manager added

"We had the belief prior to the game, during the fixture and following the encounter. Or else you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

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

"It appeared like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City discovered a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"