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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 Premier League match at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, the visitors rallied after the break after a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the restart

And with City clearly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and deliver new directions in the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Coach's Frustration

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game 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 within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the interval that nearly reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup after Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair up top and changed the setup a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the match. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds suffered four straight consecutive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke said that "their overriding feeling is disappointment", their second period display provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are capable of halting their present form and moving back up the table

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a great chance to earn the points," Farke added

"We had the confidence before the game, during the game and after the game. Or else you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

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