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

Leeds got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, Leeds fought back following the interval following a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the restart

And with City clearly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue new directions in the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our players in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer Premier League strikes this season

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold choice at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his team were only capable to regroup after Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and altered the setup a bit," said Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds United suffered four successive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with demotion

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

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

"We had the confidence prior to the match, throughout the game and after the encounter. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

"Leeds can take a lot from this performance with the manner they have played in this second half"

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

"It looked like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City discovered a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"