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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 top-flight fixture at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

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

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and issue fresh instructions during the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not 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 in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a solution"

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 teach our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having notched fewer top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that almost turned around their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only capable to reorganize following Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

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

"We genuinely had difficulty 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 brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last time Leeds United lost four consecutive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Farke stated that "their main emotion is frustration", their second period performance provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their current run and moving back up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a great opportunity to win the points," Farke continued

"We had the belief prior to the game, throughout the fixture and after the encounter. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds United can take a lot from this performance with the manner they have performed in this second period"

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but City discovered a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"