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

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead before the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

However, Leeds fought back after the interval after a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the restart

And with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver fresh directions in the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is smart. 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 for the governing bodies to find a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"Unless we educate our players in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having scored fewer top-flight goals this term

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that almost turned around their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his team were only able to reorganize following Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and altered the formation a bit," commented Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the side of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds suffered four successive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "our overriding emotion is frustration", their second period performance offered sufficient evidence to suggest they are able of halting their current run and climbing up the table

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and unity we have a great opportunity to earn the results," Farke added

"We had the belief prior to the game, throughout the game and after the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

"Leeds can take a lot from this performance with the way they have played in this second half"

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

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