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

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, the visitors rallied after the break following a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue fresh instructions during the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched fewer Premier League goals this term

Tactical Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a courageous choice at the half-time that nearly turned around their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only capable to regroup following Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two in attack and changed the formation a little bit," said Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the match. We got together 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"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The last time Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Farke said that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second period performance offered enough proof to suggest they are capable of halting their present run and moving back up the table

"Displaying such a performance should provide us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the points," the manager continued

"We had the belief prior to the game, during the fixture and following the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for 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 played in this second period"

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but City discovered a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"