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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" in their top-flight match at Etihad Stadium

Leeds got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the interval

Second Period Revival Thwarted

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

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue new 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 clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our footballers in football what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched less Premier League goals this season

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost turned around their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only able to reorganize following Guardiola's touchline meeting 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 little bit," said Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds lost four straight consecutive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half display offered sufficient evidence to indicate they are able of halting their current form and moving up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to win the points," the manager added

"We had the belief before the game, during the fixture and following the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

"Then came 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 appeared like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City discovered a measure of quality. They escaped with one this evening"