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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 got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back following the interval after a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the resumption

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue new instructions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having notched fewer Premier League strikes this season

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that almost reversed their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only able to regroup following Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

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

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

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

However, while Daniel Farke said that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second period display provided enough evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their current form and moving back up the table

"Displaying such a performance should provide us plenty of belief. If we show such determination and unity we have a great chance to earn the points," Farke added

"We possessed the confidence prior to the game, throughout the game and after the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone 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 way they have performed in this second period"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

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