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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has accused City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" during their Premier League match at the Etihad

The visitors made the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the interval

Second Period Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the break following a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the resumption

And with City clearly struggling to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and deliver fresh directions in the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a bold choice at the interval that almost reversed their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup after 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 in attack and changed the setup a bit," commented Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds United lost four consecutive Premier League games 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 performance offered enough evidence to suggest they are able of halting their present run and moving up the table

"To show such a display should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the points," the manager added

"We possessed the belief before the match, throughout the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but Manchester City found a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"