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

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage ahead of the interval

Second-Half Revival Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied following the interval following a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the resumption

And with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver new directions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and everything and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the interval that nearly reversed their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his team were only capable to regroup following Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two in attack and altered the setup a bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The last time Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance offered enough evidence to suggest they are able of halting their present run and moving up the table

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to earn the results," the manager continued

"We possessed the confidence prior to the game, throughout the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

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

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