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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" in their top-flight fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, the visitors fought back after the break after a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue new directions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I ask the fourth official at this point if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched fewer top-flight strikes this season

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness especially around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a courageous decision at the interval that nearly reversed their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his side were only able to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and altered the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really 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 little break was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

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

However, while Farke stated that "our main emotion is frustration", their second-half display offered enough proof to indicate they are able of arresting their current form and climbing up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to win the points," Farke added

"We had the belief prior to the match, throughout the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, 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 looked like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City found a measure of quality. They escaped with one this evening"