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

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the interval

Second-Half Comeback Denied

However, Leeds fought back after the break following a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the resumption

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue new instructions in 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 rules. It is clever. 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 find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever 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 approve of 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 consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer top-flight goals this term

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure particularly around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost turned around their fortunes

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

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put two in attack and changed the formation a bit," commented Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds suffered four consecutive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their overriding emotion is frustration", their second-half display provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are able of halting their present form and climbing back up the table

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

"We had the belief prior to the match, throughout the game and after the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

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

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this display with the manner they have performed in this second period"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It looked like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but City discovered a bit of quality. They got away with one this evening"