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

Leeds made the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Denied

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

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue new instructions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone understands 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 fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I ask the fourth official at this moment if you want to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that almost reversed their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, 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 side of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds United lost four successive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second period performance offered sufficient evidence to suggest they are capable of halting their current run and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of belief. If we show such determination and unity we have a excellent chance to earn the points," Farke continued

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, throughout the game and following the game. Or else you can't respond with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this performance with the manner they have performed in this second period"

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

"It looked like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City found a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"