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

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the break following a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the restart

And with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue new directions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I ask the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply try to exploit regulations 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 within the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less Premier League goals this term

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold choice at the interval that nearly turned around their fortunes

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

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair in attack and changed the setup a bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the match. We assembled on the side of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four successive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their main feeling is frustration", their second-half performance provided enough evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their current form and moving up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and unity we have a great opportunity to earn the points," Farke added

"We possessed the belief before the game, during the game and after the encounter. Or else you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

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

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

"Following that were 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 Manchester City centre-backs"

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