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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 fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the interval

Second Period Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back after the interval after a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. 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 for the authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and even 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 allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold choice at the interval that almost reversed their situation

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

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the formation a little bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds United lost four consecutive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half display offered enough evidence to suggest they are able of halting their present form and moving back up the standings

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

"We had the confidence before the match, throughout the game and after the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting 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 far from easy in this second half"

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this performance with the manner 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 was introduced and roughed up the City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City discovered a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"