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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 fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

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

Furthermore with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue new directions during the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve 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 do something. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we educate our footballers in football 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 meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight matches to place them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored fewer top-flight goals this term

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous choice at the interval that nearly reversed their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only able to regroup after Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the setup a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the match. We assembled on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds suffered four straight consecutive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second period display provided sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of halting their present run and moving up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us plenty of confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a excellent chance to win the points," the manager added

"We possessed the confidence before the game, throughout the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

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

"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 often questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It looked like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but City found a measure of quality. They got away with one this evening"