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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 the Etihad

The visitors made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead ahead of the interval

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

However, the visitors fought back following the interval following a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the restart

Furthermore with City visibly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and deliver fresh directions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. 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 determine a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup following Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put two in attack and altered the formation a bit," said Foden

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

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

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

However, while Farke stated that "their main feeling is frustration", their second-half performance offered enough evidence to suggest they are able of halting their current form and climbing back up the standings

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

"We possessed the confidence prior to the match, throughout the fixture and after the game. Or else you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

"Leeds can take a lot from this display with the way they have played in this second half"

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but City discovered a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"