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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" in their top-flight match at the Etihad

Leeds got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back following the interval following a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the resumption

And with City clearly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to find a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched less top-flight strikes this season

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the interval that almost turned around their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his team were only able to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two in attack and altered the setup a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the side of the field and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds United suffered four successive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our main feeling is frustration", their second-half performance offered sufficient proof to suggest they are able of arresting their present run and moving back up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a great chance to earn the results," the manager added

"We possessed the confidence before the game, throughout the game and after the encounter. Or else you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised 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 massive turning point in Leeds United's season, but City discovered a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"