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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 beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead ahead of the interval

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back after the break following a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and deliver new instructions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I ask the fourth official at this point if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even 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 can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched fewer Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

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

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put two in attack and altered the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the match. We got together on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds United lost four successive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second period display offered sufficient evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their present run and climbing up the table

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a great chance to win the points," the manager continued

"We possessed the confidence prior to the match, throughout the fixture and following the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

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

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