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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" in their top-flight fixture at the Etihad

Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the interval

Second-Half Revival Denied

However, the visitors rallied following the interval after a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the restart

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and deliver new directions during the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we educate our footballers in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play 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 talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

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

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure particularly around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost reversed their situation

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

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair in attack and changed the setup a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The last time Leeds United suffered four successive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke said that "their main feeling is frustration", their second-half performance provided enough proof to indicate they are able of arresting their current run and climbing up the table

"To show such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the results," Farke continued

"We possessed the confidence prior to the match, during the fixture and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone 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 way they have performed in this second period"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

"It looked like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City discovered a measure of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"