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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 Premier League match at Etihad Stadium

Leeds made the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back after the interval following a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the resumption

Furthermore with City visibly having difficulty to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue new directions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League matches to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less top-flight goals this term

Strategic Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure particularly around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a courageous choice at the interval that almost reversed their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair in attack and altered the formation a bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

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

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second-half display offered sufficient evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their current form and climbing back up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to win the points," the manager continued

"We had the confidence prior to the match, throughout the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

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

"It looked like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds' campaign, but City found a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"