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

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back following the break following a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and deliver new instructions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less top-flight goals this term

Strategic Adjustments

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

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only able to reorganize following Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair in attack and changed the formation a bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke said that "their main emotion is frustration", their second period display offered sufficient proof to suggest they are able of halting their current form and climbing back up the table

"To show such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the points," Farke added

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, during the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but Manchester City discovered a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"