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

Leeds got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

However, Leeds fought back following the break after a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue new instructions during the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the assistant referee at this point if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock 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 can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League goals this season

Tactical Changes

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

Talking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his team were only able to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in command. Second half they came out, harried us a lot higher, they put a pair in attack and changed the formation a little bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

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

However, while Farke said that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half display provided sufficient proof to suggest they are able of arresting their present form and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should provide us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity to earn the results," Farke added

"We had the confidence prior to the match, during the game and after the encounter. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

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

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It looked like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City found a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"