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Leeds United manager 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 worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the interval following a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the restart

And with City clearly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"Unless we teach our footballers in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply try to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having scored fewer top-flight strikes this season

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a courageous choice at the interval that almost reversed their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only able to regroup after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair up top and changed the formation a little bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds suffered four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our main emotion is disappointment", their second period performance provided enough evidence to suggest they are able of halting their present form and moving back up the table

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a excellent chance to win the results," the manager continued

"We possessed the belief before the match, during the fixture and after the game. Or else you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

"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 criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City defenders"

"It looked like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City found a bit of quality. They got away with one this evening"