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

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Denied

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

Furthermore with City clearly having difficulty to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue fresh instructions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in terms 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 allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil 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 last-placed Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure especially around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a courageous choice at the interval that nearly turned around their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

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

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds United lost four successive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second period performance provided enough proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their current form and moving back up the standings

"To show such a display should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the points," the manager continued

"We possessed the belief before the match, during the game and after the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

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