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

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back after the interval following a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the resumption

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

"I ask the fourth official at this moment if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure particularly around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the interval that almost turned around their situation

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

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two up top and changed the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

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

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second-half display provided sufficient proof to indicate they are able of arresting their present run and climbing up the standings

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

"We had the belief prior to the match, during the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

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

"It appeared like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but City discovered a measure of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"