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

The visitors made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied following the break following a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the restart

And with City clearly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and deliver new directions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve 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 take action. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight matches to place them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having notched less Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure especially around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the interval that almost reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his team were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and altered the formation a bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds United suffered four consecutive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with relegation

However, while Farke said that "our main emotion is disappointment", their second period performance provided sufficient evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their present form and moving back up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the points," the manager added

"We had the confidence prior to the match, during the game and after the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

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

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