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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their top-flight fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied following the interval following a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the restart

And with City clearly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and deliver fresh directions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I ask 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 regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League matches to place them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched fewer top-flight strikes this term

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure especially around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a courageous decision at the interval that nearly reversed their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his team were only able to regroup following Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the formation a bit," said Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the game. We got together on the side of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds United suffered four straight successive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance offered enough evidence to suggest they are capable of halting their current form and climbing up the table

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

"We had the confidence prior to the game, during the fixture and after the game. Or else you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

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

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