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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" in their top-flight fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied after the break following a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the restart

And with City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue new instructions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"Unless we teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven top-flight matches to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a bold choice at the interval that almost turned around their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his team were only able to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and altered the formation a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds lost four straight successive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with demotion

However, while Farke said that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second-half display provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their current form and climbing back up the table

"To show such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a great opportunity to earn the results," the manager added

"We had the belief before the game, during the game and following the encounter. Or else you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on 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 bit of quality. They got away with one this evening"