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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League match at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

However, Leeds fought back following the interval after a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and deliver fresh directions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a solution"

Coach's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we educate our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just try to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight matches to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less top-flight goals this term

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a courageous choice at the interval that almost turned around their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only able to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two in attack and altered the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the game. We got together on the side of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

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

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "our main emotion is disappointment", their second period display offered enough evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their present form and climbing up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the results," Farke continued

"We possessed the belief before the match, during the game and following the encounter. Or else you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

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