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

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back following the interval following a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the restart

And with City clearly having difficulty to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue new directions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. 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 fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our footballers in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply try to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having notched less top-flight strikes this season

Strategic Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Foden, said that his side were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair up top and altered the setup a little bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

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

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their main feeling is frustration", their second-half display provided enough proof to suggest they are able of arresting their present form and climbing back up the standings

"To show such a performance should provide us lots of confidence. If we show such determination and unity we have a excellent chance to earn the results," Farke added

"We possessed the confidence before the game, during the fixture and after the encounter. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

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

"It looked like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds United's season, but City discovered a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"