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

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead before the interval

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

However, the visitors fought back following the interval following a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the restart

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue new instructions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I ask the fourth official at this moment if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less Premier League goals this term

Tactical Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his team were only capable to reorganize following Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two up top and changed the formation a bit," said Phil 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 vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds United lost four successive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their overriding emotion is frustration", their second period performance offered sufficient evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their current run and moving back up the table

"To show such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the points," the manager added

"We had the confidence before the game, during the game and after the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable win for Manchester 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"

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but City found a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"