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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

The visitors made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

However, Leeds rallied following the break after a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the resumption

And with City visibly struggling to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue new instructions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply try to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less top-flight goals this term

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure particularly around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the interval that nearly turned around their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his team were only able to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two in attack and changed the setup a bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the match. We got together on the side of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

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

However, while Farke said that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period display provided sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of halting their present form and climbing up the table

"To show such a display should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a great chance to earn the results," Farke added

"We had the belief prior to the game, during the game and following the encounter. Or else you can't come back with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds' season, but City discovered a bit of quality. They escaped with one this evening"