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

Leeds made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

However, Leeds fought back following the interval following a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue new directions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and everything and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, 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 injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven top-flight matches to place them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

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

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his team were only capable to regroup following Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair in attack and altered the setup a bit," commented Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The last time Leeds lost four successive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our overriding emotion is frustration", their second-half display provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are capable of halting their present form and climbing up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us lots of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to win the points," the manager added

"We possessed the belief before the match, during the fixture and after the encounter. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City discovered a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"