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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 match at Etihad Stadium

Leeds made the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back following the break after a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the resumption

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue new instructions in the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"Unless we teach our players in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having notched fewer top-flight strikes this season

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a courageous choice at the interval that almost reversed their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup following Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the setup a bit," commented Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The last time Leeds United lost four consecutive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke said that "their main feeling is frustration", their second-half display provided sufficient evidence to suggest they are capable of halting their current run and climbing back up the table

"Displaying such a performance should provide us lots of belief. If we show such determination and unity we have a excellent chance to earn the points," the manager added

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

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

"Then came 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 centre-backs"

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