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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 fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back after the break after a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he went down," 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 approve? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this moment if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League goals this term

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous choice at the interval that nearly turned around their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot higher, they put a pair in attack and altered the formation a little bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

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

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our overriding emotion is frustration", their second-half performance provided enough proof to indicate they are able of arresting their current run and moving up the table

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

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, during the game and after the encounter. Or else you can't come back with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this display with the way they have played in this second half"

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

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