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

Leeds made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, Leeds fought back after the break after a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the restart

And with City clearly having difficulty to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue new directions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched fewer Premier League goals this season

Strategic Adjustments

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

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only capable to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair up top and altered the formation a bit," commented Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the side of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds lost four consecutive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Farke stated that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second period performance provided sufficient proof to suggest they are able of halting their current run and climbing up the table

"Displaying such a performance should provide us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent chance to win the results," the manager continued

"We had the belief before the game, throughout the game and following the game. Or else you can't respond with a showing like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

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

"Leeds can derive a lot from this display 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 Manchester City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds' season, but City discovered a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"