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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 Premier League fixture at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the interval

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

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

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue fresh directions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"Unless we educate our players in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having notched less top-flight strikes this season

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that almost turned around their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only able to regroup following Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and altered the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the match. We assembled on the edge of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds United lost four straight consecutive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Farke said that "their overriding emotion is frustration", their second period display offered enough evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their current run and climbing up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us plenty of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the results," the manager continued

"We had the belief prior to the game, during the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but City discovered a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"