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

The visitors made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back after the break after a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the restart

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and issue fresh instructions in the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I ask the fourth official at this point if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League goals this season

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that nearly turned around their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only able to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair up top and altered the setup a bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the match. We assembled on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds suffered four consecutive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their main emotion is frustration", their second period display provided enough proof to suggest they are able of arresting their current run and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a great opportunity to earn the results," Farke added

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

Expert Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

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