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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their Premier League match at Etihad Stadium

The visitors made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead before the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

However, Leeds rallied after the break following a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue new directions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

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

Manager's Disappointment

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

"Unless we educate our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having notched less top-flight goals this term

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was almost rewarded for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost turned around their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his team were only able to reorganize following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two up top and changed the formation a bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds United lost four successive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their overriding emotion is disappointment", their second-half performance offered enough evidence to suggest they are capable of halting their current form and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent chance to earn the results," Farke continued

"We possessed the confidence before the match, during the fixture and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

"Then came 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 City defenders"

"It looked like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds United's season, but City discovered a measure of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"