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

The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Denied

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

And with City visibly struggling to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue fresh directions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less Premier League goals this term

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold choice at the interval that almost turned around their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his team were only capable to regroup following Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and changed the formation a little bit," said Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last time Leeds United lost four straight successive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half display provided sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their current form and moving up the table

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

"We had the belief prior to the game, throughout the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this performance with the way they have performed in this second period"

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

"It appeared like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City found a bit of quality. They got away with one this evening"