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

Leeds made the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the break following a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and deliver fresh directions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer top-flight strikes this season

Tactical Changes

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

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only able to regroup following Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in command. Second half they came out, harried us a lot higher, they put a pair in attack and altered the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds United lost four straight successive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main emotion is frustration", their second period display offered enough evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their present form and moving back up the standings

"To show such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the results," the manager added

"We possessed the confidence prior to the game, during the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody 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 manner they have performed in this second half"

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

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