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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

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

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

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our footballers in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

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

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure particularly around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only capable to regroup after Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they deployed two up top and changed the formation a bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the match. We assembled on the side of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second-half performance provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are capable of halting their current run and climbing back up the standings

"To show such a display should provide us lots of confidence. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity to earn the points," Farke continued

"We possessed the belief before the game, during the game and after the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected 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 manner they have played in this second period"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

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