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Leeds manager Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League fixture at the Etihad

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead ahead of the interval

Second-Half Comeback Denied

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

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue new directions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not 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 within the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we just try to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched less Premier League goals this term

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a bold decision at the interval that almost turned around their fortunes

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

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they put two in attack and changed the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds suffered four consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with demotion

However, while Farke said that "our main emotion is frustration", their second period display provided sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their present run and climbing up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to win the points," Farke continued

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, during the game and after the encounter. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds can derive a lot from this display with the manner they have performed in this second period"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It looked like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City found a bit of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"