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

The visitors made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the interval

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back following the break following a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and deliver fresh directions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our footballers in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less top-flight goals this term

Tactical Changes

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

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his team were only able to regroup following Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put two in attack and altered the formation a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds lost four straight successive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half display provided sufficient proof to suggest they are able of arresting their current run and climbing back up the table

"To show such a performance should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a excellent opportunity to win the points," the manager continued

"We had the confidence before the match, throughout the fixture and after the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but City found a measure of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"