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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 got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

However, the visitors rallied following the interval after a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue fresh instructions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. 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 resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules 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"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less Premier League goals this season

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the interval that almost reversed their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side were only capable to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and changed the setup a little bit," commented Foden

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

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last time Leeds United suffered four consecutive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second period display offered sufficient proof to suggest they are able of arresting their present run and climbing up the standings

"To show such a performance should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent chance to earn the points," the manager continued

"We possessed the confidence before the match, during the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- 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 period"

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this performance with the manner 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 ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

"It looked like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"