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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 the Etihad

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied after the interval following a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the resumption

And with City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue fresh directions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense 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"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"Unless we teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we just try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less top-flight strikes this term

Strategic Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that nearly turned around their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only able to regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair up top and changed the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Farke stated that "their overriding emotion is frustration", their second-half performance offered sufficient evidence to suggest they are able of halting their current run and climbing up the table

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great opportunity to earn the results," the manager continued

"We possessed the confidence prior to the game, during the game and following the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a showing like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds' season, but Manchester City found a measure of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"