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

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

Second Period Revival Denied

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

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue fresh directions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored fewer Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that almost turned around their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his team were only able to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair in attack and changed the setup a bit," commented Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds United lost four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance offered enough proof to indicate they are capable of halting their current run and climbing up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to win the results," Farke added

"We possessed the confidence before the match, during the game and following the encounter. Or else you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

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