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

Leeds made the worst possible 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 change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the resumption

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue fresh instructions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our footballers in football what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just try to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less top-flight strikes this season

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that almost turned around their situation

Talking to television pundits, Foden, said that his side were only capable to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair in attack and changed the formation a little bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds United suffered four successive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half display provided enough proof to suggest they are capable of halting their current form and climbing up the standings

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

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, during the fixture and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this display with the manner they have performed in this second period"

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

"It looked like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds' campaign, but City discovered a bit of quality. They got away with one this evening"