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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has accused City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their top-flight match at Etihad Stadium

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage ahead of the interval

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back after the interval following a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the restart

Furthermore with City clearly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and deliver new directions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

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

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure especially around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a bold choice at the interval that almost turned around their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only able to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

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

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We got together on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds lost four straight successive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their season ended with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke said that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second period performance provided sufficient evidence to suggest they are capable of halting their current run and moving up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to win the results," the manager continued

"We had the confidence before the match, during the fixture and following the game. Or else you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It looked like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City found a measure of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"