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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" in their top-flight fixture at the Etihad

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead ahead of the interval

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

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

Furthermore with City clearly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver new instructions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Coach's Frustration

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you want to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having scored fewer top-flight goals this season

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold choice at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only capable to reorganize following Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair up top and changed the setup a little bit," commented Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds United suffered four consecutive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second period display offered enough evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their present form and climbing up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to win the results," Farke continued

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, throughout the fixture and following the game. Or else you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, 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 looked like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but City found a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"