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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" in their top-flight fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead ahead of the interval

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

However, Leeds rallied following the interval after a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the resumption

And with City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and deliver new directions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody knows 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 spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I ask the fourth official at this point if you want to do something. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we educate our players in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we just try 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 can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less Premier League goals this season

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure especially around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that almost turned around their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize following Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put two in attack and changed the formation a little bit," commented Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance provided enough proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their current form and moving back up the table

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

"We possessed the belief before the match, during the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward win 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 often criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

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