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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League fixture at the Etihad

The visitors made the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

However, Leeds fought back following the break after a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the resumption

And with City visibly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less Premier League strikes this season

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure especially around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a bold decision at the interval that nearly reversed their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup following Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair in attack and changed the formation a little bit," said Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

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

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second-half display provided enough proof to indicate they are able of halting their present form and climbing up the table

"Displaying such a display should provide us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a great opportunity to win the results," the manager added

"We had the confidence prior to the match, during the fixture and after the encounter. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

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

"It looked like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City discovered a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"