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

Leeds got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage before the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

However, the visitors rallied after the break following a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the resumption

Furthermore with City clearly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions during the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less Premier League goals this season

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the interval that nearly turned around their fortunes

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

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put two in attack and altered the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

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

Positive Signs for Leeds United

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

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their main emotion is frustration", their second-half display offered sufficient proof to indicate they are able of halting their present run and climbing back up the table

"To show such a display should give us lots of confidence. If we show such determination and unity we have a excellent chance to win the points," Farke continued

"We possessed the belief before the game, during the game and after the encounter. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds can derive a lot from this performance with the way they have played in this second period"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"