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

The visitors made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back after the break after a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the restart

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue new instructions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody understands 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 smart. If I like it? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

"I ask the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we teach our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

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

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a courageous decision at the half-time that nearly turned around their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his team were only capable to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put two up top and changed the formation a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds lost four consecutive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their season ended with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our main feeling is frustration", their second-half display offered enough proof to indicate they are able of halting their current run and moving back up the standings

"To show such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent chance to win the points," Farke continued

"We possessed the confidence prior to the match, during the fixture and after the game. Or else you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have great unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

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

"It appeared like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but City discovered a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"