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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" in their top-flight fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

However, Leeds rallied after the interval following a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and deliver new directions in the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find 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 regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight goals this term

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was almost rewarded for a courageous decision at the interval that almost turned around their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only able to regroup after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two in attack and changed the setup a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds United suffered four consecutive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our main feeling is frustration", their second-half performance offered enough evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their present run and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to earn the points," the manager added

"We had the confidence prior to the match, during the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but City discovered a measure of quality. They got away with one this evening"