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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 Premier League fixture at the Etihad

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied following the break following a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the restart

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue new directions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down 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 keep to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the assistant referee at this point if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

"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 simply attempt to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight goals this term

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was nearly vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost turned around their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his team were only capable to regroup following Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two in attack and altered the setup a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the game. We got together on the side of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

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

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second period display offered enough proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their current run and moving back up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should provide us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a great opportunity to win the results," Farke continued

"We had the belief prior to the match, throughout the fixture and following the game. Or else you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

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

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City discovered a measure of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"