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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke claimed City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their Premier League match at Etihad Stadium

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the interval after a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the resumption

And with City visibly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and deliver new instructions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League matches to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having scored fewer Premier League goals this term

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the interval that almost reversed their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his team were only able to regroup after Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

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

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds suffered four straight successive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second period display offered sufficient proof to indicate they are able of arresting their present run and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to win the points," the manager continued

"We had the belief before the game, during the game and following the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

"Leeds can derive a lot from this display with the way they have performed in this second half"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It looked like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but Manchester City found a bit of quality. They escaped with one this evening"