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

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

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

And with City visibly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and deliver new instructions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we educate our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just try to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched fewer Premier League goals this season

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was nearly vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that almost turned around their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only able to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and altered the setup a 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 improved from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The last time Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second period performance offered sufficient evidence to suggest they are capable of halting their present form and moving back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should provide us lots of confidence. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to win the points," Farke added

"We had the belief prior to the match, during the fixture and following the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

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

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

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

"It looked like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City found a bit of quality. They escaped with one this evening"