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

Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, the visitors fought back after the break following a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue fresh directions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of 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 reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we simply attempt to bend the rules 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 regulations I can't complain"

Late Winner

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

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that almost reversed their situation

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup after Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two up top and changed the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We really 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"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds lost four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with demotion

However, while Farke stated that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period display offered enough proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their present run and moving up the table

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

"We had the confidence prior to the match, during the fixture and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

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

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