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

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage ahead of the interval

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied following the interval following a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the restart

And with City visibly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue new directions in the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we teach our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less top-flight goals this term

Strategic Changes

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

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his team were only able to regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair up top and altered the formation a little bit," said Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the match. We got together on the side of the field and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds lost four successive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our main feeling is frustration", their second period display provided sufficient proof to indicate they are able of arresting their present form and moving up the table

"Displaying such a performance should provide us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a great opportunity to win the results," Farke continued

"We had the confidence prior to the match, throughout the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

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

"Leeds United can take a lot from this performance with the manner they have played in this second period"

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City found a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"