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

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the interval after a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the resumption

Furthermore with City clearly having difficulty to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue fresh directions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less top-flight strikes this season

Tactical Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness particularly around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost turned around their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they put two in attack and changed the setup a bit," said Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The last time Leeds United suffered four successive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke said that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second-half display offered enough evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their present run and climbing up the table

"Displaying such a display should provide us lots of confidence. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to earn the points," the manager continued

"We had the belief before the game, throughout the game and following the game. Or else you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have great unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

"Leeds can take a lot from this display with the manner they have performed in this second half"

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds' campaign, but City discovered a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"