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Leeds United manager 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 made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the break after a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue new directions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. 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 in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply try to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer Premier League goals this season

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that almost reversed their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only capable to regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot higher, they deployed two up top and altered the formation a bit," said Foden

"We genuinely 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 vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds United suffered four straight successive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Farke stated that "their overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance provided enough proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their current run and moving up the standings

"To show such a performance should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a great opportunity to earn the results," the manager added

"We possessed the confidence before the game, during the fixture and after the game. Or else you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds can take a lot from this display with the manner they have played in this second period"

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City discovered a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"