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

Leeds got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

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

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue new instructions during the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody knows 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 bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Coach's Frustration

"I ask the fourth official at this moment if you wish to take action. 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 simply try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight goals this term

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the interval that nearly reversed their situation

Talking to television pundits, Foden, said that his side were only capable to regroup following Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot higher, they deployed two in attack and altered the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last time Leeds lost four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their season ended with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance offered sufficient proof to suggest they are able of halting their current form and moving back up the standings

"To show such a display should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity to earn the points," Farke added

"We possessed the belief before the game, during the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It looked like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City discovered a measure of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"