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Leeds manager Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their Premier League match at Etihad Stadium

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, the visitors fought back after the break after a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the restart

Furthermore with City clearly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver fresh directions during the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"Unless we educate our footballers in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we simply attempt 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 personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

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

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a bold decision at the interval that almost turned around their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair up top and changed the formation a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds lost four successive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our main feeling is frustration", their second-half display offered enough evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their present form and moving up the table

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

"We had the belief prior to the game, during the game and following the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

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