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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 got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back following the break after a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the resumption

Furthermore with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver fresh directions during the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

"Unless we educate our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and everything and if we just try to exploit regulations 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 within the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched less Premier League goals this term

Strategic Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a courageous decision at the interval that almost reversed their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side were only capable to reorganize after Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

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

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the game. We got together on the side of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds lost four consecutive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their overriding emotion is frustration", their second period display provided enough proof to suggest they are able of arresting their present form and climbing up the standings

"To show such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the points," the manager added

"We possessed the confidence prior to the game, throughout the game and after the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds United can take 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 proactive 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' campaign, but Manchester City found a measure of quality. They got away with one this evening"