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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

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, Leeds rallied following the break following a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the resumption

And with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue fresh instructions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I approve? 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 assistant referee at this point if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to place them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched less Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his team were only able to regroup following Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair up top and changed the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

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

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half performance provided sufficient proof to indicate they are able of arresting their present run and climbing back up the standings

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

"We had the confidence before the match, throughout the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City discovered a bit of quality. They got away with one this evening"