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Leeds 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

Leeds made the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the interval

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back following the interval following a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the resumption

And with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver new instructions during the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I ask the fourth official at this moment if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched less Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous decision at the interval that almost reversed their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his side were only capable to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in command. Second half they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two in attack and altered the setup a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the side of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds suffered four straight consecutive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with relegation

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

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great opportunity to win the results," Farke added

"We had the belief before the game, throughout the fixture and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

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

"It appeared like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"