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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their top-flight fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the interval

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied following the break following a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the resumption

Furthermore with City clearly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and deliver new directions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

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

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched fewer Premier League strikes this season

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold choice at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his side were only capable to regroup following Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two up top and altered the setup a little bit," commented Phil Foden

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

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

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

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second period performance provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their current form and moving back up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a great opportunity to earn the points," the manager continued

"We had the belief before the game, throughout the game and after the game. Or else you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

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

"It looked like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds' season, but Manchester City found a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"