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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has accused City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their top-flight fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back following the interval following a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the restart

And with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver fresh directions during the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our players in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight goals this term

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the interval that almost turned around their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his team were only capable to reorganize after Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot higher, they deployed two in attack and altered the setup a bit," said Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds suffered four straight successive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period performance provided sufficient proof to indicate they are able of halting their present form and moving up the table

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

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, during the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but City found a bit of quality. They escaped with one this evening"