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

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied following the interval following a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the restart

And with City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue fresh directions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our footballers in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored fewer top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

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

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his team were only able to regroup following Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"During the break we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair up top and changed the setup a bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds suffered four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke said that "their main emotion is frustration", their second-half performance offered sufficient evidence to indicate they are capable of halting their current run and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity to win the points," Farke added

"We had the confidence prior to the match, during the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

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

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

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

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