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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke has accused City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their Premier League match at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead ahead of the interval

Second-Half Revival Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied following the interval following a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver new instructions in the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I ask the fourth official at this point if you want to take action. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League goals this term

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly turned around their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put two up top and changed the formation a little bit," commented Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds United suffered four successive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke said that "their main emotion is frustration", their second period performance offered enough proof to indicate they are able of halting their present run and climbing up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity to earn the points," the manager added

"We possessed the confidence prior to the match, throughout the fixture and after the game. Or else you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for 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"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but City discovered a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"