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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

However, Leeds rallied after the break following a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the resumption

And with City visibly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue fresh directions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

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

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold choice at the interval that almost turned around their fortunes

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

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the formation a little bit," said Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the match. We assembled on the edge of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds United lost four straight consecutive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second-half display offered enough proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their current form and climbing back up the table

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a excellent opportunity to win the results," Farke added

"We possessed the confidence prior to the match, during the game and following the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for 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"

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

"It appeared like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but Manchester City discovered a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"