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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 match at the Etihad

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the interval

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back following the break following a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the resumption

And with City clearly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue fresh instructions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and everything and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, 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 winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League matches to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored fewer top-flight strikes this term

Strategic Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the interval that almost turned around their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only able to regroup after Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and changed the setup a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the match. We assembled on the edge of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second-half performance provided enough proof to suggest they are able of arresting their present form and moving back up the table

"Displaying such a display should give us lots of belief. If we show such spirit and unity we have a excellent chance to earn the points," Farke added

"We had the confidence prior to the match, during the game and following the game. Or else you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward win for Manchester 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 half"

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

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