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

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

However, the visitors rallied following the break after a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the resumption

And with City visibly having difficulty to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and deliver new instructions during the two minutes the game was halted 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 clever. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our footballers in football what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and everything and if we simply try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, 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 stoppage-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League goals this season

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness particularly around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a courageous decision at the interval that almost reversed their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Foden, said that his team were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and changed the setup a bit," said Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds United lost four successive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their main emotion is frustration", their second period performance provided enough evidence to suggest they are able of halting their present form and moving back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the points," Farke added

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, during the game and after the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds' campaign, but City found a bit of quality. They escaped with one this evening"