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

Leeds made the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage ahead of the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back following the break following a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the resumption

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. 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 governing bodies to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League matches to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having scored fewer top-flight goals this season

Strategic Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous choice at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to reorganize after Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair up top and altered the formation a bit," commented Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We assembled on the side of the field and changed a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds United lost four straight successive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their overriding emotion is disappointment", their second-half display offered sufficient proof to suggest they are able of arresting their current form and moving back up the table

"Displaying such a performance should provide us plenty of confidence. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to win the points," Farke added

"We had the belief prior to the game, during the game and after the encounter. Or else you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City discovered a bit of quality. They got away with one this evening"