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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" in their top-flight fixture at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage ahead of the interval

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

However, Leeds rallied following the break after a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the restart

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue fresh directions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke stated

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

Manager's Frustration

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

"Unless we teach our footballers in football what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to place them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having scored fewer top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the interval that nearly reversed their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup following Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair up top and altered the formation a little bit," commented Phil Foden

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

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds United suffered four consecutive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their overriding emotion is disappointment", their second-half performance provided sufficient evidence to suggest they are capable of halting their current run and climbing up the standings

"To show such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the points," the manager added

"We had the belief prior to the match, throughout the game and following the encounter. Or else you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City discovered a measure of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"