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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 Premier League match at Etihad Stadium

Leeds made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Denied

However, the visitors fought back after the interval after a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue fresh instructions in the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"If we don't educate our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having notched less Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness particularly around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two up top and altered the setup a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

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

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half display provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their current form and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should provide us lots of belief. If we show such spirit and unity we have a excellent chance to win the results," the manager continued

"We possessed the confidence prior to the game, during the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds' season, but City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"