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

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the interval following a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the restart

And with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue fresh instructions in the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everybody understands 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 like it? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and everything and if we simply try to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having notched less Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold choice at the half-time that almost turned around their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his team were only able to regroup following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair in attack and changed the formation a bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the match. We got together on the side of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds lost four successive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second period performance offered sufficient evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their present form and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity to win the results," the manager added

"We had the belief prior to the game, during the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been anything but comfortable 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 questioned for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City found a bit of quality. They escaped with one this evening"