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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 Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

However, Leeds rallied following the interval after a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the resumption

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver new instructions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

"I ask the fourth official at this moment if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we educate our footballers in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we just attempt to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer top-flight goals this season

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the interval that almost turned around their situation

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

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We got together on the side of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds United lost four successive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their season ended with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "their overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half display offered enough evidence to suggest they are able of halting their current run and moving back up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should provide us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great opportunity to earn the points," the manager continued

"We possessed the belief before the match, throughout the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but Manchester City discovered a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"