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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" during their top-flight fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds made the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

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

And with City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and deliver new instructions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within 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 keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we just try to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League goals this season

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure particularly around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost turned around their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only able to reorganize after Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two in attack and altered the setup a bit," commented Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We assembled on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds lost four straight successive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their season ended with demotion

However, while Farke stated that "their main feeling is frustration", their second period display offered enough proof to suggest they are capable of halting their present form and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a excellent chance to win the points," the manager added

"We had the confidence before the match, throughout the game and following the game. Or else you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

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

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

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

"It looked like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds' season, but City discovered a measure of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"