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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke has accused City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" in their top-flight match at Etihad Stadium

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the interval

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

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

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue new instructions during the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone 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 approve? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I questioned the assistant referee at this point if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

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

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer top-flight goals this season

Tactical Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost turned around their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his team were only able to regroup after Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and altered the formation a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the game. We got together on the side of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The last time Leeds United lost four straight successive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with relegation

However, while Farke said that "our main emotion is frustration", their second-half performance provided enough evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their present run and climbing up the table

"To show such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a great opportunity to win the points," the manager continued

"We possessed the confidence prior to the game, during the fixture and following the encounter. Or else you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds can derive a lot from this display 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 proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds' season, but City discovered a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"