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

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, Leeds rallied following the break after a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the resumption

And with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver new directions during the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure especially around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put two up top and changed the formation a bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the match. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last time Leeds United suffered four straight successive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with demotion

However, while Farke said that "our main feeling is frustration", their second period performance provided enough evidence to suggest they are capable of halting their current form and climbing up the table

"To show such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great chance to win the points," Farke continued

"We had the belief before the match, during the game and following the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

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