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

Leeds made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

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

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue fresh instructions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less top-flight strikes this term

Strategic Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his side were only capable to reorganize following Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in control. Second half they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair up top and altered the formation a bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the side of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds United lost four straight consecutive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second-half display offered sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of halting their present run and moving up the standings

"To show such a performance should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the points," the manager added

"We had the confidence before the game, during the fixture and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds can take a lot from this display 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 proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds' campaign, but City discovered a measure of quality. They escaped with one this evening"