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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" in their top-flight match at the Etihad

Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, the visitors fought back after the interval following a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the resumption

And with City visibly struggling to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver fresh directions during the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight matches to place them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having scored fewer Premier League goals this term

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure especially around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

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

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they put two up top and changed the setup a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

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

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance offered enough proof to suggest they are able of halting their current 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 opportunity to earn the results," the manager added

"We possessed the belief before the game, throughout the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds' season, but Manchester City discovered a bit of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"