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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has accused City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their top-flight 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 doubled the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

However, the visitors fought back following the interval following a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the resumption

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and issue fresh directions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our footballers in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored fewer top-flight strikes this term

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the interval that nearly turned around their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his team were only capable to reorganize following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two in attack and changed the formation a bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds suffered four successive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "their overriding emotion is frustration", their second-half performance offered sufficient proof to indicate they are able of halting their present run and climbing up the table

"Displaying such a display should provide us lots of belief. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the points," Farke added

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, throughout the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

"Leeds United can take a lot from this display 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 ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

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