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

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage ahead of the interval

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back following the break after a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the restart

And with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions in the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I approve? 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 up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and everything and if we just attempt to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less top-flight goals this season

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only capable to regroup after Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two up top and changed the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds United lost four successive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period display offered enough evidence to suggest they are capable of halting their current run and climbing back up the table

"To show such a performance should provide us plenty of confidence. If we show such determination and unity we have a excellent chance to win the results," the manager continued

"We had the belief before the match, during the game and after the encounter. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but 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 frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It looked like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but Manchester City discovered a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"