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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 fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Denied

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

And with City clearly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver fresh directions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? 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 resolution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less Premier League goals this term

Strategic Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure especially around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a bold decision at the interval that almost turned around their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only capable to reorganize following Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two in attack and altered the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last time Leeds suffered four successive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with demotion

However, while Farke stated that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second period display offered enough evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their present form and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the points," Farke added

"We had the belief prior to the game, during the game and after the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

"Leeds can take a lot from this performance with the manner they have played in this second period"

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City defenders"

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