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Leeds manager Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their Premier League match at the Etihad

Leeds made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the interval

Second-Half Revival Denied

However, the visitors fought back following the break after a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and deliver new directions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. 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 sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our players in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to place them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League strikes this season

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his team were only capable to regroup after Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put two up top and altered the formation a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds United lost four consecutive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second-half display provided sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their current run and climbing back up the table

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity to win the points," the manager continued

"We possessed the confidence prior to the game, during the game and after the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds can derive a lot from this performance with the manner they have performed in this second period"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but City discovered a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"