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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

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, Leeds rallied after the break after a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the restart

And with City clearly struggling to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and issue new directions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't 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 reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you want to take action. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

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

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, harried us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the formation a bit," commented Foden

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

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds United lost four consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "their overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period performance offered enough proof to suggest they are able of arresting their present form and climbing up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to earn the results," the manager added

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, during the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, 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 centre-backs"

"It appeared like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City found a measure of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"