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

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

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

And with City clearly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue new instructions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our footballers in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less Premier League goals this season

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure especially around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a bold decision at the interval that almost turned around their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his team were only capable to regroup after Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two up top and changed the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the match. 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 get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds United lost four successive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "their overriding emotion is frustration", their second-half performance offered sufficient proof to suggest they are able of arresting their present run and climbing up the table

"To show such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great chance to earn the points," the manager continued

"We had the confidence before the game, during the game and following the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

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

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

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

"It appeared like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but City found a bit of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"