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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 match at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

However, Leeds rallied after the interval following a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the resumption

And with City clearly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver fresh directions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is clever. 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 governing bodies to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I ask the assistant referee at this moment if you want to take action. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we educate our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League matches to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less top-flight strikes this term

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure especially around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that almost turned around their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his team were only capable to reorganize following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the formation a bit," commented Phil Foden

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

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds United lost four straight consecutive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our overriding emotion is frustration", their second period display offered enough proof to indicate they are able of halting their present run and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the points," the manager added

"We possessed the belief before the game, throughout the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

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