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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 top-flight fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

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

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue new instructions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I ask the fourth official at this moment if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our players in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight goals this term

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only capable to reorganize after Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in command. Second half they came out, harried us a lot higher, they deployed a pair up top and altered the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the side of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds United lost four consecutive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main feeling is frustration", their second period display provided sufficient evidence to suggest they are capable of halting their current run and moving up the table

"To show such a display should give us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a excellent chance to win the results," the manager continued

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, throughout the game and after the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds 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 often criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds' campaign, but City discovered a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"