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Leeds 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 the Etihad

The visitors made the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the interval

Second-Half Revival Denied

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

And with City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue new instructions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Coach's Frustration

"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 the game what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

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

Strategic Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was nearly vindicated for a courageous choice at the interval that almost turned around their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his team were only capable to regroup following Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two in attack and changed the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds United lost four successive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their season ended with relegation

However, while Farke said that "their main emotion is frustration", their second-half performance provided enough proof to suggest they are capable of halting their current run and moving back up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to win the results," the manager continued

"We had the belief prior to the match, throughout the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City discovered a bit of quality. They got away with one this evening"