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

The visitors got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied following the interval following a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the resumption

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver new instructions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is clever. 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 up to the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the assistant referee at this point if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that nearly turned around their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his side were only able to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair up top and altered the setup a bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

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

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second period performance provided enough proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their present run and moving back up the standings

"To show such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we show such determination and unity we have a great chance to win the results," Farke continued

"We had the confidence prior to the match, throughout the game and following the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City discovered a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"