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

Leeds got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, the visitors fought back following the break after a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the resumption

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Frustration

"I questioned the assistant referee at this point if you want to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and everything and if we just try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less top-flight goals this term

Tactical Changes

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

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his team were only able to regroup following Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and altered the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the game. We got together on the side of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

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

However, while Farke said that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance offered sufficient proof to suggest they are able of halting their current run and moving back up the table

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to win the results," Farke added

"We had the belief before the game, throughout the game and after the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City discovered a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"