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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke claimed City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League match at Etihad Stadium

Leeds made the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the interval following a adjustment 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 went down to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue fresh instructions during the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you want to do something. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight goals this term

Strategic Changes

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

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot higher, they put two in attack and altered the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The last time Leeds United lost four straight successive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their season ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance provided sufficient proof to suggest they are able of halting their current run and moving back up the standings

"To show such a performance should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to win the results," Farke added

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

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive 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 turning point in Leeds' campaign, but City found a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"