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Leeds manager Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" in their top-flight fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

However, Leeds rallied after the break after a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the resumption

And with City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue new instructions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we teach our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having scored fewer top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a bold choice at the half-time that nearly reversed their situation

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

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two up top and changed the formation a little bit," said Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the match. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The last time Leeds suffered four successive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance offered enough evidence to indicate they are capable of halting their current run and moving back up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a great opportunity to win the points," Farke added

"We had the confidence prior to the match, during the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds' campaign, but City discovered a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"