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

Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the interval

Second-Half Revival Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back following the break after a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the resumption

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and deliver new instructions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within 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 reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched fewer Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure especially around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a bold choice at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his team were only able to regroup after Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put two up top and altered the setup a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the field and changed a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four consecutive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second period display provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their present form and climbing back up the table

"Displaying such a performance should provide us lots of belief. If we show 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 game and after the game. Or else you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

"Leeds can take 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 questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City discovered a bit of quality. They escaped with one this evening"