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

Leeds made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back after the interval after a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the restart

Furthermore with City clearly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions in the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight matches to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less Premier League goals this season

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness particularly around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a courageous decision at the interval that almost reversed their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his side were only capable to regroup after Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in command. Second half they came out, harried us a lot higher, they put two up top and changed the setup a bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the side of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds United lost four straight consecutive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second period performance provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their present run and climbing back up the standings

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

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, during the game and after the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned 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 got away with one this afternoon"