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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

Leeds made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back after the break following a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue new directions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I like it? 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 authorities to determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

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

Late Winner

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

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that almost turned around their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, 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. Second half they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and altered the formation a little bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We assembled on the side of the field and changed a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four straight successive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main feeling is frustration", their second-half display provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are able of halting their present run and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great chance to earn the results," the manager continued

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, during the fixture and after the encounter. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

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

"It looked like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds' season, but City found a bit of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"