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

Leeds got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

However, the visitors rallied after the break after a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the restart

And with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue new instructions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. 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 spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"Unless we teach our footballers in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched fewer Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure especially around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a bold choice at the interval that almost turned around their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup after Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and altered the setup a bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the side of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The last time Leeds United lost four straight consecutive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second period display provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are able of halting their current form and moving up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a great opportunity to earn the points," Farke added

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, throughout the game and after the game. Or else you can't come back with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but City found a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"