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Leeds head coach 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

Leeds got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead before the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

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

And with City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just try to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less top-flight strikes this season

Strategic Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold decision at the interval that almost turned around their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the setup a bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the match. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds United suffered four successive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with demotion

However, while Farke said that "their overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance provided enough proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their current run and moving back up the table

"To show such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a great opportunity to win the results," the manager continued

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

Expert Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but City discovered a measure of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"