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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 top-flight match at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, Leeds fought back following the interval following a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the restart

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue fresh instructions in the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less top-flight goals this term

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure especially around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous choice at the interval that almost reversed their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Foden, said that his side were only capable to regroup following Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"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 formation a bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

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

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second period performance offered enough proof to indicate they are able of halting their current form and climbing up the table

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

"We had the belief before the game, throughout the game and following the encounter. Or else you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

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

"Leeds can derive a lot from this performance with the manner they have played in this second half"

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

"It looked like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City discovered a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"