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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

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

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

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver new directions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not 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 sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a solution"

Coach's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you want to take action. Our hands are tied"

"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 attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was nearly vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only able to regroup following Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair in attack and altered the setup a little bit," commented Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the match. We assembled on the edge of the field and changed a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last time Leeds lost four consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "their overriding emotion is frustration", their second period performance provided enough proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their current form and moving back up the table

"Displaying such a performance should provide us plenty of belief. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity to win the results," Farke added

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, during the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"