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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 fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied following the interval after a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue new directions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of 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 reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this point if you want to take action. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and everything 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 personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched fewer top-flight goals this term

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the interval that almost turned around their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his team were only capable to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair in attack and changed the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds United suffered four straight successive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half display offered enough proof to suggest they are able of arresting their present run and climbing back up the standings

"To show such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a great chance to win the points," Farke added

"We had the belief prior to the match, during the game and after the game. Or else you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

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

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this performance with the way they have played in this second period"

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but City discovered a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"