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

The visitors made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

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

And with City visibly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and deliver fresh directions in the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"Unless we educate our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just try 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 allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched less Premier League goals this season

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a courageous decision at the interval that almost reversed their fortunes

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

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair up top and altered the formation a little bit," said Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the match. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

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

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second period performance provided sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of halting their present form and moving up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we show such determination and unity we have a great opportunity to win the results," Farke added

"We had the belief before the match, throughout the fixture and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been anything but comfortable 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 changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"