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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has accused City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds made the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage ahead of the interval

Second-Half Comeback Denied

However, Leeds rallied after the break after a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the resumption

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue fresh directions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell 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 sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we simply try to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less top-flight goals this term

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous choice at the half-time that nearly turned around their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair in attack and changed the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds United lost four consecutive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second period performance offered enough evidence to suggest they are capable of halting their present form and climbing up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we show such spirit and unity we have a great opportunity to win the results," the manager continued

"We possessed the confidence before the game, throughout the game and following the game. Or else you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but City discovered a bit of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"