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

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

However, Leeds fought back after the interval after a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the resumption

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and deliver new instructions in the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I ask the fourth official at this moment if you want to take action. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less top-flight strikes this term

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was nearly vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that almost turned around their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the setup a bit," said Foden

"We genuinely 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 little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds lost four straight consecutive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke said that "their main feeling is frustration", their second-half display offered enough evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their current run and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great chance to win the points," the manager continued

"We possessed the belief before the match, during the game and following the encounter. Or else you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, former Scottish club forward 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 United can derive a lot from this display with the way they have played in this second period"

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

"It appeared like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but City discovered a measure of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"