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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 made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, Leeds rallied after the interval following a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the resumption

Furthermore with City clearly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver fresh directions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt 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 Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored fewer top-flight goals this season

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness especially around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a bold choice at the interval that nearly reversed their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his team were only capable to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and changed the formation a bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The last time Leeds lost four successive 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 period performance provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are able of halting their current form and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a great chance to win the results," the manager continued

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, throughout the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

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