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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 top-flight fixture at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the interval

Second Period Revival Thwarted

However, Leeds rallied following the interval after a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the restart

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue new instructions in the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to find a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the assistant referee at this point if you want to do something. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer top-flight strikes this season

Tactical Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure particularly around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a courageous choice at the interval that nearly turned around their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his team were only able to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair up top and changed the setup a bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds United lost four straight successive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second-half performance provided enough evidence to suggest they are capable of halting their present run and moving back up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we show such spirit and unity we have a great opportunity to win the results," Farke added

"We had the belief before the game, during the game and following the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward 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 way they have performed in this second half"

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

"It appeared like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but Manchester City discovered a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"