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

The visitors got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead before the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

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

And with City clearly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue new directions during the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the assistant referee at this point if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer top-flight goals this term

Tactical Changes

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

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his team were only capable to regroup following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put two up top and altered the setup a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the match. We assembled on the edge of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds lost four consecutive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Farke said that "their main feeling is frustration", their second-half performance provided enough evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their current run and climbing up the table

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to win the results," Farke added

"We possessed the confidence before the game, throughout the game and after the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds United's season, but City found a bit of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"