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

Leeds made the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

However, Leeds rallied following the break after a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the resumption

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and deliver fresh directions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"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 order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight matches to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure particularly around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the interval that almost turned around their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his team were only capable to regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put two up top and altered the formation a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the side of the field and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds United lost four straight successive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Farke said that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half display offered sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their current form and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the results," the manager continued

"We possessed the confidence prior to the game, during the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

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