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Leeds manager Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

However, Leeds fought back following the interval following a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the restart

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver fresh directions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within 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 solution"

Coach's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you want to do something. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched fewer top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Changes

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

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only capable to regroup after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they put a pair in attack and altered the setup a bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The last time Leeds lost four successive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with demotion

However, while Farke stated that "their overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half display provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are capable of halting their present run and moving back up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a great chance to earn the points," Farke added

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, throughout the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds can derive a lot from this performance with the way they have played in this second half"

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

"It looked like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"