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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 top-flight match at the Etihad

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, the visitors rallied following the interval following a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

And with City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue new instructions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the assistant referee at this point if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we simply try to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League goals this season

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous choice at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his side were only able to reorganize following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two up top and altered the formation a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the match. We got together on the side of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The last time Leeds United lost four straight successive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second period display provided sufficient proof to suggest they are able of halting their current run and moving back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the results," Farke continued

"We had the confidence before the game, during the fixture and after the game. Or else you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

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

"It appeared like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City discovered a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"