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Leeds manager Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their Premier League fixture at the Etihad

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, Leeds rallied following the interval following a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the resumption

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue new instructions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our footballers in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less Premier League goals this term

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that almost turned around their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup following Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put two up top and altered the formation a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds suffered four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their season ended with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "their overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period display offered enough evidence to suggest they are capable of halting their current form and climbing back up the standings

"To show such a performance should provide us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to earn the points," Farke continued

"We had the confidence before the match, throughout the fixture and following the encounter. Or else you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

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

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