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

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead ahead of the interval

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

However, the visitors rallied after the break after a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the resumption

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue new instructions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I ask the fourth official at this moment if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored fewer top-flight goals this season

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a bold decision at the interval that nearly reversed their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only able to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair in attack and altered the setup a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second-half display offered sufficient evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their present form and climbing up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a great opportunity to earn the results," the manager added

"We had the confidence prior to the match, throughout the game and following the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

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

"It appeared like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City discovered a measure of quality. They escaped with one this evening"