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

The visitors made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

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

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions during the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous decision at the interval that nearly reversed their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup following Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

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

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The last time Leeds lost four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our main feeling is frustration", their second-half performance offered enough proof to suggest they are capable of halting their current run and moving back up the standings

"To show such a display should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a great chance to win the results," Farke added

"We had the confidence prior to the game, during the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City discovered a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"