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

Leeds made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the interval

Second Period Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied following the break after a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the restart

And with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and deliver new directions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is clever. 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 for the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt 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 within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched fewer top-flight goals this season

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold choice at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his side were only capable to reorganize following Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two in attack and altered the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We got together on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds lost four consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke said that "our main feeling is frustration", their second period performance provided enough evidence to suggest they are able of halting their present form and moving back up the standings

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of belief. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to win the points," Farke added

"We possessed the confidence before the game, throughout the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds can take a lot from this display with the way they have performed in this second half"

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

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