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Leeds manager Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League match at the Etihad

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied following the break following a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions during the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the assistant referee at this point if you want to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our players in the game what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and everything and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer top-flight goals this term

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure especially around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a bold decision at the interval that almost reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only able to regroup 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 put a pair in attack and changed the setup a bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the match. We assembled on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The last time Leeds suffered four straight successive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their main feeling is frustration", their second-half display provided enough evidence to suggest they are capable of halting their current form and moving up the standings

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to win the points," the manager added

"We possessed the confidence prior to the match, during the game and following the encounter. Or else you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

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

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