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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their top-flight fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the interval

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back following the interval following a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and issue fresh directions during the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. 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 determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I ask the fourth official 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 fair play and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored fewer top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a courageous choice at the half-time that nearly turned around their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only capable to reorganize following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair in attack and changed the setup a bit," commented Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The last time Leeds suffered four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "their main emotion is frustration", their second-half display provided enough evidence to suggest they are able of halting their current run and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to win the points," the manager continued

"We had the confidence prior to the match, throughout the game and following the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a performance like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

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

"It appeared like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds' campaign, but City found a bit of quality. They escaped with one this evening"