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Leeds 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

Leeds made the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the break following a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the restart

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and deliver new instructions in the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. 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 reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven top-flight matches to place them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness particularly around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the interval that nearly turned around their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only capable to regroup following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they came out, harried us a lot higher, they put a pair in attack and changed the formation a bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds lost four straight consecutive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their overriding emotion is frustration", their second period performance provided sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their current form and moving back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great opportunity to earn the results," the manager continued

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, during the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It looked like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but City discovered a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"