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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 top-flight match at Etihad Stadium

The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied following the break following a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the restart

And with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions during the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the regulations. 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 up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight matches to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having notched fewer Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

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

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated 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 a pair in attack and altered the setup a little bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

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

However, while Farke said that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second period display provided sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of halting their present run and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should provide us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a great opportunity to earn the results," Farke added

"We had the confidence before the game, throughout the fixture and after the encounter. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

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

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

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