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

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

However, the visitors rallied after the interval after a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the restart

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue fresh instructions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"Unless we teach our footballers in football what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League strikes this season

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his side were only capable to regroup following Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and changed the formation a little bit," said Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the match. We got together on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds United suffered four straight successive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our main emotion is disappointment", their second-half display offered sufficient evidence to indicate they are capable of halting their present run and climbing up the table

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to earn the results," the manager added

"We possessed the belief before the match, throughout the game and following the encounter. Or else you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

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

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