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Leeds manager Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their top-flight fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the interval

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the break after a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the restart

And with City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver new directions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within 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 find a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our players in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched fewer Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that almost turned around their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup after Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two in attack and changed the formation a little bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the match. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four consecutive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half performance offered sufficient evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their current form and climbing back up the table

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

"We possessed the confidence before the match, during the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds' campaign, but City discovered a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"