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

Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back following the interval following a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the restart

Furthermore with City visibly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver fresh directions in the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit 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 Frustration

"I ask the assistant referee at this moment if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and everything and if we simply try to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League strikes this season

Strategic Adjustments

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

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his side were only capable to regroup following Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair in attack and altered the setup a little bit," commented Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds suffered four straight successive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with relegation

However, while Farke said that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second-half performance offered enough proof to suggest they are able of arresting their current form and climbing back up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great chance to earn the results," the manager added

"We had the belief before the game, throughout the game and following the encounter. Or else you can't come back with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

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