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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 fixture at the Etihad

Leeds made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back following the break after a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the resumption

And with City clearly having difficulty to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver new directions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to place them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost turned around their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his side were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, harried us a lot higher, they put two in attack and changed the setup a bit," said Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the match. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds lost four straight successive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their main emotion is frustration", their second period display offered enough proof to indicate they are able of halting their current run and climbing back up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to win the results," the manager added

"We possessed the confidence prior to the game, throughout the game and following the game. Or else you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

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