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Leeds United 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 scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, Leeds rallied following the break after a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the restart

Furthermore with City visibly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions in the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we educate our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually 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 Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less top-flight strikes this season

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure especially around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a bold decision at the interval that nearly reversed their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Foden, said that his side were only capable to regroup following Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

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

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds suffered four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "their overriding feeling is disappointment", their second period display provided sufficient proof to indicate they are able of halting their present run and climbing back up the standings

"To show such a performance should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great chance to win the points," the manager continued

"We had the belief before the match, throughout the game and following the encounter. Or else you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward victory 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 played in this second period"

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but City discovered a measure of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"