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

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back after the break after a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the restart

And with City clearly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned 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 top-flight goals this term

Tactical Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that nearly turned around their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only capable to regroup after Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put two in attack and changed the formation a little bit," said Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The last time Leeds United lost four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half display offered sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their current run and moving up the standings

"To show such a display should give us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to win the points," the manager continued

"We had the belief before the match, throughout the game and following the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

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

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

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