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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 got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead before the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

However, Leeds fought back following the break following a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the resumption

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue new instructions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I ask the fourth official at this point if you want to take action. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't teach our footballers in football what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less top-flight strikes this season

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his side were only capable to regroup after Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the formation a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the match. We assembled on the side of the field and changed a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

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

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second period performance offered sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of halting their present run and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great opportunity to win the points," Farke added

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

Expert Analysis

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

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

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

"It appeared like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds' season, but City found a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"