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

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

However, the visitors rallied after the break after a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the resumption

And with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue fresh instructions during the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I like it? 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 governing bodies to find a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"Unless we teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less top-flight goals this season

Strategic Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a courageous decision at the interval that almost reversed their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his team were only capable to regroup following Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two in attack and changed the setup a bit," commented Foden

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

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds lost four straight successive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main feeling is frustration", their second period display offered sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their present form and climbing up the standings

"To show such a performance should provide us lots of belief. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the results," Farke added

"We had the confidence before the match, during the game and following the encounter. Or else you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

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

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