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

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the interval

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the break following a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver fresh directions in the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I ask the fourth official at this moment if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our footballers in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League matches to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored fewer Premier League strikes this season

Strategic Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a bold choice at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only capable to regroup after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put two up top and altered the formation a bit," commented Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last time Leeds lost four successive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke said that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second period performance offered enough proof to indicate they are capable of halting their present run and moving back up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should provide us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great chance to win the points," the manager added

"We possessed the belief before the match, throughout the game and after the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds United can take a lot from this display 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 proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but City discovered a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"