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

Leeds got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

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

And with City clearly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less top-flight strikes this term

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness particularly around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that nearly reversed their situation

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his team were only able to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair in attack and changed the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds lost four consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half performance provided enough proof to indicate they are able of arresting their present run and climbing up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a great opportunity to win the results," Farke continued

"We possessed the confidence prior to the game, during the game and following the game. Or else you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds United can take a lot from this display with the manner they have performed in this second period"

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

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