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

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage ahead of the interval

Second-Half Comeback Denied

However, the visitors rallied after the break after a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and deliver new directions in the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the regulations. 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 authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"Unless we teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the interval that almost turned around their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his team were only capable to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and altered the setup a bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds United lost four straight consecutive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their season ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our main emotion is frustration", their second period performance offered sufficient evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their current run and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to win the results," Farke added

"We possessed the belief before the match, during the game and after the encounter. Or else you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity 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 anything but easy in this second period"

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this performance with the way they have played in this second half"

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

"It looked like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds' season, but City discovered a measure of quality. They got away with one this evening"