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

Leeds got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the interval

Second-Half Comeback Denied

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

And with City visibly struggling to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver fresh directions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I ask the fourth official at this point if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less Premier League goals this term

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly turned around their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side were only capable to regroup after Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair up top and changed the formation a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the match. We assembled on the side of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds lost four straight successive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Farke said that "our main feeling is frustration", their second-half performance offered enough evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their present form and moving back up the standings

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to win the results," the manager added

"We possessed the confidence prior to the game, during the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

"It looked like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City found a measure of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"