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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 the Etihad

Leeds got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Denied

However, the visitors fought back after the interval after a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the resumption

And with City visibly having difficulty to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we teach our players in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we simply try to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched less Premier League goals this season

Strategic Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost turned around their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only capable to regroup following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in command. Second half they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair in attack and changed the setup a bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds United lost four straight consecutive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "their overriding emotion is frustration", their second period performance provided enough proof to suggest they are able of halting their present form and moving back up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to win the points," the manager added

"We possessed the confidence prior to the match, during the game and after the encounter. Or else you can't come back with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Celtic forward 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 performance with the way they have performed in this second half"

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

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