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Leeds manager Daniel Farke has accused City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their Premier League fixture at the Etihad

Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

However, the visitors rallied after the interval following a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the restart

And with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and issue fresh directions in the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I ask the fourth official at this moment if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we just try to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in an attempt 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

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less Premier League goals this season

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his team were only capable to regroup after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair in attack and changed the formation a bit," said Foden

"We really had difficulty 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 little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds lost four consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half display provided enough evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their present run and moving back up the standings

"To show such a performance should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity to earn the results," the manager added

"We had the belief before the match, during the game and following the game. Or else you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City discovered a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"