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

Leeds made the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead before the interval

Second-Half Revival Denied

However, Leeds rallied following the break following a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the restart

And with City clearly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue new directions during the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

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

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned 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 regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight matches to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the interval that almost reversed their fortunes

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

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and altered the formation a bit," commented Phil Foden

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

Positive Signs for Leeds

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

However, while Farke stated that "our main emotion is disappointment", their second-half display offered enough evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their current form and climbing back up the standings

"To show such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to earn the results," Farke added

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, during the fixture and after the encounter. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

"It looked like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City discovered a measure of quality. They escaped with one this evening"