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

Leeds made the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Denied

However, the visitors fought back following the interval after a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the restart

And with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue fresh instructions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this point if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our players in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched fewer top-flight goals this season

Tactical Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the interval that almost turned around their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only capable to regroup after Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two up top and changed the formation a bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the side of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

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

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period display offered sufficient evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their current form and climbing back up the table

"To show such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to win the results," Farke added

"We had the confidence prior to the game, throughout the game and following the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

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

"It looked like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City found a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"