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

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

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

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue new directions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we just try to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League fixtures to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having notched fewer top-flight strikes this term

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness particularly around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a courageous decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only able to regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put two up top and changed the formation a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We assembled on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds lost four straight successive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke said that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second period performance provided sufficient evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their current run and moving up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a great opportunity to earn the results," the manager added

"We possessed the confidence prior to the game, during the fixture and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

"Leeds 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 should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City found a bit of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"