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

The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back after the break following a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue new directions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and everything and if we just attempt to bend the rules 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 within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having scored fewer top-flight strikes this term

Strategic Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure especially around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a bold decision at the interval that nearly reversed their situation

Talking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his team were only able to regroup after Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair up top and changed the formation a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the match. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds lost four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second-half display offered enough proof to indicate they are able of arresting their current form and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a great opportunity to earn the points," Farke continued

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

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

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

"It looked like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City discovered a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"