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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 match at the Etihad

Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back after the break after a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the restart

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue fresh directions in the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League matches to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored fewer top-flight strikes this season

Strategic Adjustments

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

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize after Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the setup a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The last time Leeds suffered four successive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their season ended with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke said that "our overriding emotion is frustration", their second-half display provided sufficient proof to indicate they are able of arresting their present form and moving up the table

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a great chance to earn the points," the manager continued

"We possessed the confidence prior to the game, throughout the fixture and following the encounter. Or else you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

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

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but City found a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"