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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage before the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

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

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver new directions in the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having notched fewer top-flight strikes this season

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness especially around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the interval that almost reversed their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his team were only capable to regroup after Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they put a pair in attack and altered the setup a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We assembled on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds suffered four straight successive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their season ended with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second period display offered sufficient proof to suggest they are able of arresting their present form and climbing back up the table

"Displaying such a performance should provide us lots of belief. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to win the results," Farke added

"We had the confidence before the match, during the game and following the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City defenders"

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