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

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back after the break following a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the restart

And with City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in an attempt 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 United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having scored fewer top-flight strikes this season

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost turned around their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they put two in attack and changed the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the match. We got together on the side of the pitch and changed a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds lost four successive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Farke said that "their overriding emotion is frustration", their second-half display offered enough proof to indicate they are able of halting their present run and moving back up the table

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to win the results," the manager added

"We possessed the confidence prior to the game, during the fixture and after the game. Or else you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

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

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It looked like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"