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

Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied after the break following a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our footballers in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having scored fewer Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost turned around their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his team were only capable to reorganize following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two up top and altered the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the game. We got together on the side of the field and changed a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds lost four consecutive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance offered enough evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their current run and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we show such determination and unity we have a excellent chance to earn the results," the manager continued

"We possessed the confidence before the game, throughout the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

"Leeds can derive a lot from this performance with the way they have performed in this second half"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but City discovered a bit of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"