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

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage before the interval

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back after the break after a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the resumption

And with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue fresh directions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"Unless we educate our footballers in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

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

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his team were only able to regroup following Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

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

"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We assembled on the side of the pitch and changed a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds United lost four straight successive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second-half performance offered sufficient evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their current run and moving up the table

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a excellent opportunity to win the points," the manager continued

"We had the belief before the game, throughout the game and after the game. Or else you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester 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 brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"