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Leeds head coach 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

Leeds got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Denied

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

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue fresh instructions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the regulations. 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 reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched fewer Premier League goals this season

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup after Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and changed the setup a little bit," commented Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The last time Leeds suffered four consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period performance offered sufficient evidence to suggest they are able of halting their present run and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the results," Farke continued

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, during the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

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

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