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

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied after the interval after a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the resumption

And with City clearly struggling to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver new instructions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of 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 keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we educate our players in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we just attempt to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having notched fewer top-flight strikes this term

Strategic Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure particularly around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the interval that nearly reversed their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his team were only able to reorganize after Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

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

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We assembled on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

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

However, while Farke stated that "their overriding emotion is disappointment", their second-half performance offered sufficient proof to indicate they are able of arresting their current form and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a great chance to win the results," Farke continued

"We possessed the belief before the game, during the fixture and after the encounter. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

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

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often questioned for not being as responsive 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 campaign, but City discovered a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"