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

Leeds got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied following the interval following a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the restart

Furthermore with City visibly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and deliver new directions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a solution"

Coach's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we educate our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost reversed their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his team were only capable to regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, harried us a lot higher, they put two up top and changed the setup a bit," commented Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The last time Leeds United suffered four straight successive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second period display offered sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of halting their current form and climbing up the table

"To show such a display should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the points," Farke continued

"We had the belief prior to the game, during the game and after the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

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

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City defenders"

"It looked like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but City found a measure of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"