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

Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back following the break after a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the resumption

And with City clearly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue fresh instructions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this moment if you want to take action. 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 try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight matches to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having scored fewer top-flight strikes this term

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold choice at the half-time that almost turned around their situation

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

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they deployed two up top and altered the setup a bit," said Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the match. We got together on the side of the pitch and changed a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with demotion

However, while Farke said that "their overriding emotion is frustration", their second-half performance provided enough evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their current run and moving back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the points," Farke continued

"We possessed the confidence prior to the match, throughout the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds can derive a lot from this performance with the manner they have performed 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 came on and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds United's season, but City found a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"