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Leeds manager Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their top-flight fixture at the Etihad

Leeds got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back after the interval following a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the restart

And with City clearly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue new directions in the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this moment if you want 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 whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly turned around their fortunes

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

"During the break we were in control. Second half they came out, harried us a lot higher, they put two up top and altered the setup a bit," said Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the match. We assembled on the side of the field and changed a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds suffered four consecutive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with relegation

However, while Farke said that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second-half display offered enough evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their present form and moving up the table

"To show such a display should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a great opportunity to win the results," the manager added

"We had the confidence before the game, during the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

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

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

"It appeared like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds United's season, but City discovered a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"