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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City keeper 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 scoring within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the interval

Second-Half Revival Denied

However, the visitors rallied after the interval after a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue fresh directions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched fewer top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

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

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they put two in attack and altered the setup a little bit," commented Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The last time Leeds United lost four straight consecutive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their season ended with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke said that "our main emotion is frustration", their second period performance provided enough evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their current form and climbing back up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to earn the points," Farke added

"We had the belief before the match, during the fixture and after the encounter. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City found a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"