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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 the Etihad

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied following the break following a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the restart

Furthermore with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue fresh directions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a solution"

Coach's Frustration

"I questioned the assistant referee at this point if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less Premier League goals this season

Strategic Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure particularly around changes, was almost rewarded for a courageous choice at the half-time that nearly turned around their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only capable to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair up top and altered the formation a bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the field and changed a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

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

However, while Farke stated that "their main feeling is frustration", their second-half display provided sufficient evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their present form and moving back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us lots of belief. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity to earn the points," Farke continued

"We had the belief before the match, during the fixture and following the game. Or else you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this display with the way they have performed in this second period"

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

"It looked like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but Manchester City found a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"