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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 Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

However, Leeds rallied following the break after a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the restart

And with City clearly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue new directions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League matches to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched fewer Premier League strikes this season

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure particularly around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that nearly reversed their situation

Talking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his side were only capable to regroup after Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put two in attack and altered the setup a bit," commented Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

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

However, while Farke stated that "their overriding emotion is disappointment", their second-half performance provided sufficient proof to indicate they are able of arresting their current form and climbing up the table

"Displaying such a performance should provide us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the points," the manager added

"We had the confidence prior to the match, throughout the game and following the encounter. Or else you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds can derive a lot from this display with the manner they have performed in this second period"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

"It looked like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"