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

Leeds made the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage before the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

However, Leeds rallied following the interval following a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the restart

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue new directions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched less Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost turned around their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his side were only capable to regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they put a pair in attack and changed the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the match. We got together on the side of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds lost four consecutive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period display provided enough proof to indicate they are capable of halting their present form and moving up the standings

"To show such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity to earn the points," the manager added

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, throughout the game and after the encounter. Or else you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

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

"It appeared like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"