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

The visitors made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back after the interval following a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue fresh directions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate 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 an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having scored fewer Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the interval that almost turned around their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only capable to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair up top and changed the formation a bit," commented Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We assembled on the edge of the field and changed a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

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

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their overriding emotion is frustration", their second period display offered enough evidence to suggest they are able of halting their current run and climbing up the table

"To show such a performance should provide us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to win the results," Farke added

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, during the fixture and after the game. Or else you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised 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 might be a huge turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City found a measure of quality. They escaped with one this evening"