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

Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

However, Leeds fought back after the interval after a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue fresh instructions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we educate our players in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less top-flight goals this season

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was nearly vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly turned around their situation

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

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and altered the setup a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds suffered four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance provided enough proof to suggest they are able of halting their current form and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a great opportunity to earn the results," Farke added

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, during the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have great unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

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

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