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

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back following the interval after a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the restart

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. 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 fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our footballers in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to place them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less top-flight strikes this season

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost reversed their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only capable to regroup after Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put two in attack and altered the setup a bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the match. We assembled on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds suffered four straight successive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke said that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second period performance offered sufficient evidence to indicate they are able of halting their present form and moving up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we show such determination and unity we have a great opportunity to earn the results," the manager added

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, during the game and after the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- 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 half"

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

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

"It appeared like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City discovered a bit of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"