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

Leeds made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

However, Leeds fought back following the interval after a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the resumption

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't teach our players in football 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 order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched fewer top-flight goals this season

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure particularly around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold decision at the interval that almost reversed their situation

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only capable to regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair in attack and changed the setup a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds United lost four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their overriding feeling is disappointment", their second period display provided sufficient evidence to suggest they are capable of halting their present run and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should provide us plenty of confidence. If we show such determination and unity we have a excellent opportunity to earn the points," the manager continued

"We had the confidence before the game, throughout the fixture and after the game. Or else you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

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

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

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

"It looked like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but City found a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"