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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 Premier League fixture at the Etihad

Leeds got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the interval

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

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

Furthermore with City clearly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue fresh directions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched less Premier League goals this term

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold choice at the interval that nearly reversed their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his team were only able to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and altered the setup a bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the game. We got together 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 Aspects for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds United lost four consecutive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "our overriding emotion is frustration", their second period display offered enough evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their present run and moving back up the standings

"To show such a performance should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the results," the manager continued

"We possessed the confidence before the game, during the game and following the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

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 comfortable in this second period"

"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 often criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds' season, but Manchester City discovered a bit of quality. They escaped with one this evening"