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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has accused City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their top-flight fixture at the Etihad

Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the interval

Second-Half Revival Denied

However, the visitors rallied after the interval following a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the resumption

And with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"Unless we teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League goals this season

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

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

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds lost four straight successive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their main feeling is frustration", their second-half performance provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are capable of halting their current form and moving back up the table

"To show such a performance should provide us plenty of belief. If we show such determination and unity we have a excellent chance to win the results," Farke continued

"We possessed the confidence before the game, during the game and following the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

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

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but City found a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"