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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 worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage before the interval

Second-Half Revival Denied

However, the visitors fought back after the interval after a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver new instructions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. 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 for the authorities to determine a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having scored fewer Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Changes

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

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

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and changed the setup a bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds United lost four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with demotion

However, while Farke said that "their main emotion is frustration", their second period performance provided sufficient proof to suggest they are able of halting their present form and moving back up the table

"To show such a performance should provide us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to earn the points," Farke continued

"We had the belief before the match, during the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

"Leeds can derive a lot from this display with the way they have performed in this second half"

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

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