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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke has accused City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League match at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead ahead of the interval

Second-Half Comeback Denied

However, Leeds rallied following the interval after a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the resumption

And with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue new directions in the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not 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 within the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I ask the fourth official at this moment if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we 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 an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched less Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that nearly turned around their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only able to reorganize following Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put two in attack and altered the formation a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds suffered four successive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second period performance offered enough evidence to indicate they are capable of halting their current run and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the points," the manager continued

"We had the confidence prior to the match, during the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds United can take a lot from this performance with the manner they have played in this second half"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds' campaign, but City discovered a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"