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

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the break following a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the resumption

And with City clearly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue new instructions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we just try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight matches to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less top-flight strikes this term

Strategic Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his team were only able to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they put two up top and changed the formation a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the side of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds suffered four consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second-half display provided sufficient evidence to suggest they are able of halting their present form and climbing up the standings

"To show such a display should give us lots of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to win the points," Farke added

"We had the belief prior to the match, during the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

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

"It looked like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but City discovered a bit of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"