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

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, Leeds rallied after the interval after a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the restart

And with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver fresh directions in the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I ask the assistant referee at this moment if you want to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't teach our footballers in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched fewer top-flight goals this term

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was nearly vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put two up top and altered the formation a bit," commented Foden

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

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The last time Leeds United suffered four consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second period performance provided enough evidence to indicate they are able of halting their current form and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to win the results," the manager continued

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, during the fixture and following the encounter. Or else you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but City discovered a bit of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"