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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their top-flight fixture at the Etihad

Leeds made the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

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

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue fresh directions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and everything and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

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

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous choice at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

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

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair up top and altered the setup a bit," said Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds lost four successive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are able of halting their current form and climbing back up the standings

"To show such a display should give us lots of confidence. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to earn the results," Farke continued

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, throughout the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

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

"Leeds United can take a lot from this performance with the manner they have performed in this second period"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised 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 huge turning point in Leeds' season, but City found a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"