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

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

However, Leeds rallied after the interval following a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and issue new instructions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. 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 sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League fixtures to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having notched fewer top-flight goals this term

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the interval that almost turned around their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his team were only able to regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

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

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds United lost four straight successive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with demotion

However, while Farke stated that "their overriding emotion is frustration", their second-half performance offered sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of halting their present form and climbing up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a great opportunity to win the points," the manager continued

"We possessed the confidence before the match, throughout the fixture and following the game. Or else you can't respond with a performance like that. We have great unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

"Leeds can take a lot from this performance with the way they have played in this second period"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, 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 looked like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City found a measure of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"