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

Leeds got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

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

And with City clearly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver new instructions in the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was almost rewarded for a courageous choice at the interval that nearly turned around their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup after Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put two in attack and altered the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the game. We got together on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds United lost four straight consecutive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their season ended with demotion

However, while Farke stated that "their overriding feeling is disappointment", their second period performance offered enough proof to suggest they are capable of halting their current run and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to earn the results," Farke added

"We had the confidence prior to the match, throughout the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

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

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this display with the manner they have played in this second half"

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City centre-backs"

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