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

Leeds got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the interval

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

However, the visitors rallied after the interval following a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue fresh directions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I ask the fourth official at this moment if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our players 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 actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Adjustments

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

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

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair up top and altered the formation a bit," said Phil Foden

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

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds United lost four successive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period display offered sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of halting their present run and climbing up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the points," Farke added

"We possessed the confidence prior to the match, during the game and following the encounter. Or else you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

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