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

The visitors made the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Denied

However, the visitors fought back following the interval after a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored fewer Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that almost turned around their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only able to regroup following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the setup a bit," commented Foden

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

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

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

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half performance offered sufficient evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their current run and climbing up the standings

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

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

Expert Analysis

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

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

"Then came 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 Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City found a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"