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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

However, the visitors rallied following the break following a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the resumption

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue fresh instructions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Coach's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having scored fewer top-flight goals this season

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that almost turned around their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair in attack and altered the formation a bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the match. 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 crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds United lost four consecutive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their season ended with demotion

However, while Farke stated that "their overriding feeling is disappointment", their second period display offered enough proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their current form and moving up the table

"To show such a performance should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to earn the points," Farke added

"We had the confidence prior to the game, during the fixture and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

"Leeds can take a lot from this performance with the way they have played 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 Manchester City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City discovered a bit of quality. They got away with one this evening"