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

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the interval

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

However, Leeds fought back after the interval following a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the restart

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue fresh directions in the 120 seconds play 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 approve? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and everything and if we simply try to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

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

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost turned around their situation

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

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair up top and altered the setup a little bit," commented Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the match. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds lost four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their season ended with relegation

However, while Farke said that "their overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance provided enough evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their current run and climbing up the table

"To show such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to earn the points," the manager continued

"We had the confidence prior to the match, throughout the fixture and following the encounter. Or else you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

"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 might be a huge turning point in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City discovered a bit of quality. They got away with one this evening"