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

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Denied

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

And with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue new instructions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League goals this term

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure especially around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the interval that almost reversed their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his team were only able to regroup following Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two in attack and altered the setup a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

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

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our main emotion is disappointment", their second-half display offered enough proof to suggest they are able of arresting their current form and climbing back up the standings

"To show such a performance should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great chance to win the points," the manager added

"We possessed the belief before the game, throughout the game and after the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have great unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

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

"It appeared like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but Manchester City discovered a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"