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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 match at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

However, the visitors fought back following the interval after a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

Furthermore with City clearly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? 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 governing bodies to determine a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having scored fewer Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the interval that almost turned around their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only capable to regroup after Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two up top and altered the formation a bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the match. We assembled on the side of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance provided sufficient proof to indicate they are able of arresting their present run and climbing back up the standings

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

"We had the belief prior to the match, during the fixture and after the encounter. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this performance with the manner 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 looked like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City discovered a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"