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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" in their top-flight match at the Etihad

The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

However, Leeds fought back following the interval following a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the restart

And with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and issue new instructions during the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense 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 fourth official at this moment if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we just try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having notched less top-flight strikes this season

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a bold choice at the interval that nearly turned around their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his team were only able to regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and altered the formation a bit," said Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the field and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four straight successive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their season ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half display provided enough evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their current run and moving up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a great opportunity to earn the points," the manager continued

"We had the belief prior to the game, throughout the fixture and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City defenders"

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