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

The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Denied

However, the visitors fought back after the interval following a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the resumption

And with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue fresh directions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we just try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League matches to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer Premier League goals this season

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a courageous decision at the interval that nearly reversed their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Foden, said that his team were only able to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they deployed two up top and altered the setup a bit," commented Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the match. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds suffered four consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their main emotion is frustration", their second period display offered sufficient evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their current run and moving back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a great opportunity to earn the points," Farke added

"We possessed the confidence prior to the game, throughout the fixture and following the game. Or else you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

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

"It appeared like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but City found a measure of quality. They escaped with one this evening"