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Leeds manager Daniel Farke has accused City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds made the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage ahead of the interval

Second Period Revival Thwarted

However, the visitors rallied following the break following a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the restart

And with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver new directions during the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"Unless we teach our footballers in football what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and everything and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having scored fewer top-flight strikes this season

Tactical Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold choice at the half-time that nearly turned around their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two up top and changed the setup a bit," commented Phil Foden

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

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The last time Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with demotion

However, while Farke said that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second period performance offered enough evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their present form and climbing up the standings

"To show such a performance should provide us lots of confidence. If we show such determination and unity we have a excellent opportunity to win the results," the manager added

"We possessed the confidence before the match, throughout the game and following the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

"Then came 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 City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City found a bit of quality. They escaped with one this evening"