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

Leeds made the worst possible start 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

However, the visitors rallied after the interval after a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the restart

And with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver new instructions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. 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 in line with the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his side were only capable to regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two in attack and altered the setup a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds suffered four consecutive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance provided enough evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their present run and moving up the table

"Displaying such a performance should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a excellent chance to win the results," the manager continued

"We had the confidence prior to the game, during the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

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