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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back after the break following a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"Unless we educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that almost turned around their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his team were only capable to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put two in attack and altered the formation a bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second period display offered enough proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their current form and moving back up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a excellent chance to earn the points," the manager continued

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, during the game and after the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

"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 looked like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds' season, but Manchester City discovered a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"