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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 top-flight match at Etihad Stadium

Leeds made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the interval

Second Period Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back following the break following a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the resumption

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver new directions during the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned 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 notched less Premier League goals this season

Strategic Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure especially around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his side were only able to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they put two in attack and altered the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

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

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period performance provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are able of halting their present form and climbing up the table

"Displaying such a performance should provide us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a great opportunity to win the results," the manager added

"We possessed the belief before the game, during the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

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

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