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

Leeds got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, the visitors rallied after the break after a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and deliver new instructions in the two minutes the game was stopped 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 rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I questioned the assistant referee at this point if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

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

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched fewer top-flight strikes this season

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure particularly around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous choice at the interval that nearly reversed their fortunes

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

"During the break we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair up top and altered the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds suffered four straight successive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Farke said that "their overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance offered sufficient proof to indicate they are able of halting their present run and moving back up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the points," Farke continued

"We had the confidence prior to the match, throughout the fixture and after the game. Or else you can't respond with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

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

"It appeared like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City discovered a bit of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"