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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 top-flight match at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the interval

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the break after a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the resumption

And with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue new instructions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the assistant referee at this point if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just try to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Adjustments

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

Talking to television pundits, Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup following Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and changed the formation a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Farke stated that "their main emotion is frustration", their second period performance provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their current form and climbing up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of confidence. If we show such determination and unity we have a excellent chance to win the results," Farke added

"We had the confidence prior to the match, throughout the fixture and after the encounter. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It looked like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds' campaign, but City found a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"