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

Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied following the break following a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the resumption

And with City visibly having difficulty to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and deliver fresh directions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"Unless we educate our players in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

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

Strategic Adjustments

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

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his team were only capable to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair up top and altered the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds suffered four successive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with relegation

However, while Farke said that "their main feeling is frustration", their second-half display offered sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their current run and climbing back up the table

"To show such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a great opportunity to earn the results," the manager added

"We possessed the confidence before the match, during the fixture and after the encounter. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this display with the manner they have played in this second half"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It looked like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City found a bit of quality. They got away with one this evening"