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Leeds manager Daniel Farke has accused City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their top-flight match at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the interval

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

However, the visitors fought back following the interval after a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the resumption

And with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and deliver fresh directions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply try to exploit regulations 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 regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Changes

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

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

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put two in attack and altered the formation a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds lost four successive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their season ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second period performance offered enough proof to suggest they are capable of halting their present run and climbing up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us lots of confidence. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity to win the results," Farke added

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, throughout the game and following the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "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 responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but City discovered a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"