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Leeds United head coach 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 worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back following the interval after a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the restart

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver new instructions during the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down 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 ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a solution"

Coach's Frustration

"I questioned the assistant referee at this point if you want to take action. 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 simply attempt to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight matches to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League goals this term

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold choice at the interval that almost turned around their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two up top and changed the setup a bit," commented Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the side of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds suffered four successive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second period performance provided sufficient proof to indicate they are able of arresting their current form and moving back up the table

"Displaying such a display should provide us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to win the results," the manager continued

"We had the belief prior to the match, throughout the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

"Leeds can derive a lot from this performance with the way they have played in this second period"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

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