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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has accused City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their top-flight match at the Etihad

Leeds made the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

However, Leeds rallied following the interval after a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and issue new directions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Changes

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

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

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two in attack and altered the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the match. We assembled on the side of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

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

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second period performance offered enough evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their current run and moving back up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the points," the manager added

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, throughout the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward win 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 manner they have played in this second half"

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but City found a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"