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

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

However, the visitors rallied following the break following a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the resumption

And with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver fresh directions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I ask the fourth official at this point if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and everything and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League goals this term

Strategic Changes

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

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two in attack and altered the formation a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds suffered four straight consecutive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their main feeling is frustration", their second-half performance offered sufficient evidence to suggest they are able of halting their present form and climbing back up the table

"Displaying such a display should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity to earn the points," Farke added

"We possessed the belief before the match, throughout the game and following the encounter. Or else you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

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

"It appeared like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds' season, but City found a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"