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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 Premier League fixture at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage ahead of the interval

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

However, Leeds fought back after the interval after a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue new instructions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and everything and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

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

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous decision at the interval that almost turned around their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only able to regroup following Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot higher, they put two up top and altered the setup a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds lost four successive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their overriding feeling is disappointment", their second period performance provided enough proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their current run and climbing up the table

"To show such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the results," the manager continued

"We had the belief prior to the match, throughout the fixture and following the game. Or else you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

"Leeds United can take a lot from this display with the way they have played in this second half"

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

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