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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 the Etihad

The visitors got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage before the interval

Second-Half Revival Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back following the interval following a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the restart

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue fresh directions in the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke stated

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

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this point if you want to take action. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't teach our footballers in football what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure especially around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only capable to regroup following Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair up top and changed the setup a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds lost four straight successive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke said that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second-half display offered enough evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their present run and moving back up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to win the points," Farke continued

"We had the confidence before the match, during the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds United can take a lot from this performance with the manner they have played 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 defenders"

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