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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 the Etihad

The visitors made the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the interval

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

However, Leeds fought back after the interval after a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue new instructions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve 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 want to take action. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League goals this term

Tactical Adjustments

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

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his side were only capable to regroup following Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two in attack and altered the setup a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds United lost four straight successive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Farke stated that "their overriding emotion is frustration", their second period display provided sufficient proof to indicate they are able of halting their present form and moving up the standings

"To show such a performance should provide us lots of confidence. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity to win the results," Farke continued

"We possessed the confidence before the game, during the game and after the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds' campaign, but City discovered a measure of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"