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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 the Etihad

The visitors made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

However, Leeds fought back following the break after a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue new directions in the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a solution"

Coach's Frustration

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we just attempt to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less top-flight strikes this season

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the interval that almost reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"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," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the side of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds suffered four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with relegation

However, while Farke said that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period performance offered sufficient evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their present form and moving back up the table

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to win the points," Farke continued

"We possessed the confidence prior to the match, during the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds United can take a lot from this performance with the way they have performed in this second period"

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City discovered a bit of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"