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

The visitors made the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage before the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back after the break following a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue new directions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched less Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize after 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 deployed two up top and altered 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 adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds suffered four consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with demotion

However, while Farke stated that "our main feeling is frustration", their second-half display provided enough proof to indicate they are able of halting their present run and moving up the standings

"To show such a performance should provide us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to earn the points," the manager continued

"We possessed the confidence prior to the match, throughout the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds United 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 questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It looked like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City found a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"