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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" in their Premier League fixture at the Etihad

Leeds made the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

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

And with City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue fresh instructions in the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored fewer Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the interval that almost reversed their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his team were only able to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

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

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds lost four successive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half display provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their current form and climbing back up the table

"To show such a display should provide us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to win the points," Farke added

"We had the belief before the game, throughout the fixture and following the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

"It looked like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City found a measure of quality. They escaped with one this evening"