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

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Denied

However, the visitors fought back following the break following a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver fresh directions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? 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 authorities to determine a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach 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 simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched fewer top-flight strikes this season

Tactical Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a bold choice at the half-time that almost reversed their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the setup a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The last time Leeds United lost four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with demotion

However, while Farke stated that "their main feeling is frustration", their second period performance offered enough evidence to indicate they are capable of halting their current form and moving back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should provide us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the points," Farke continued

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, throughout the fixture and following the encounter. Or else you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

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

"It appeared like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City discovered a bit of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"