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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has accused City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

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

And with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue new instructions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt to bend the rules 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 can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less Premier League strikes this season

Strategic Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their situation

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

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two in attack and altered the formation a bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds lost four straight consecutive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our main feeling is frustration", their second-half display provided sufficient proof to suggest they are able of halting their present form and moving up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to win the results," Farke added

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, during the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned 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 pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but City discovered a bit of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"