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

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, Leeds rallied following the break after a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the resumption

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue new instructions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," 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 sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you want to take action. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and everything and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored fewer top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a courageous decision at the interval that nearly reversed their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his side were only able to regroup following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and changed the formation a bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the side of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The last time Leeds United lost four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half display provided enough proof to indicate they are able of arresting their current form and climbing up the standings

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of belief. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to earn the results," Farke continued

"We had the confidence prior to the match, during the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

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 period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

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