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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke claimed City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their top-flight match at the Etihad

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back following the interval following a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

And with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue fresh directions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned 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 everything and if we just try to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

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

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that almost turned around their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

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

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the match. We assembled on the side of the field and changed a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds United suffered four successive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half performance provided sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of halting their current form and climbing up the table

"To show such a performance should provide us lots of belief. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity to win the results," the manager added

"We had the confidence prior to the game, throughout the game and after the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have great unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

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

"It looked like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds' season, but Manchester City found a measure of quality. They got away with one this evening"