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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 Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, the visitors rallied after the break after a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the resumption

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and deliver new directions during the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our players in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we just try to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored fewer top-flight goals this term

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure particularly around changes, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the interval that nearly reversed their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his team were only able to regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and altered the setup a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The last time Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with relegation

However, while Farke said that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance provided enough proof to suggest they are capable 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 excellent chance to earn the results," Farke added

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, throughout the fixture and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

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

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

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

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