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Leeds manager Daniel Farke has accused City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their Premier League match at the Etihad

Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the interval

Second-Half Revival Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back following the break following a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the resumption

And with City clearly having difficulty to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and deliver fresh directions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," 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 smart. If I like it? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and everything and if we simply try to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight goals this season

Tactical Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a bold decision at the interval that almost turned around their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only able to reorganize following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, harried us a lot higher, they deployed a pair up top and changed the formation a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

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

However, while Farke said that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second-half performance offered sufficient evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their present form and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to earn the points," the manager added

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, during the fixture and following the encounter. Or else you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

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