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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 match at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

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

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and deliver new directions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee 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 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 extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less Premier League goals this season

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure particularly around changes, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only able to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they deployed two up top and changed the formation a bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The last time Leeds lost four straight consecutive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "their overriding emotion is disappointment", their second-half display offered enough proof to suggest they are capable of halting their present run and climbing back up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the points," the manager added

"We had the belief before the game, during the fixture and following the game. Or else you can't come back with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

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

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this display with the way they have played in this second half"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City defenders"

"It looked like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City discovered a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"