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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 the Etihad

Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back after the break after a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue fresh directions during the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke commented

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

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer top-flight goals this season

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that almost turned around their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only able to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the game. We assembled on the side of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

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

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second period display provided enough proof to suggest they are able of halting their current run and climbing back up the table

"To show such a display should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a great opportunity to win the results," the manager continued

"We had the belief prior to the game, throughout the game and following the game. Or else you can't respond with a showing like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club 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 take a lot from this performance with the way they have performed in this second period"

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

"It looked like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"