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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 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 extended the home side's advantage before the interval

Second-Half Revival Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the break after a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the resumption

And with City clearly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver fresh directions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this point if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just try to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer top-flight goals this season

Tactical Changes

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

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

"During the break we were in control. Second half they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two up top and changed the formation a bit," commented Foden

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

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

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

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half display offered sufficient proof to suggest they are able of halting their current form and moving back up the table

"Displaying such a display should provide us lots of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to win the results," the manager continued

"We possessed the confidence before 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 dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds United can take a lot from this display with the way 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 massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but City found a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"