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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 match at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied following the interval following a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the resumption

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue new instructions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the rules. 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 reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Coach's Frustration

"I questioned the assistant referee at this point if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply try to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League goals this season

Strategic Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was nearly vindicated for a bold choice at the interval that nearly turned around their situation

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his team were only able to regroup following Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two up top and altered the formation a little bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the match. We got together on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four straight successive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our main emotion is disappointment", their second period performance provided enough evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their current form and climbing up the table

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and unity we have a great chance to win the results," Farke added

"We had the belief prior to the game, during the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds can derive a lot from this performance with the way they have performed in this second half"

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

"It looked like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City discovered a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"