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Leeds United 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 within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, Leeds rallied following the break after a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the resumption

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue new instructions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our players 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 even 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 can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League matches to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer top-flight goals this season

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness particularly around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the interval that almost turned around their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only able to regroup following Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

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

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds suffered four consecutive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "our overriding emotion is frustration", their second-half performance provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are able of halting their present form and moving back up the table

"Displaying such a performance should provide us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great opportunity to earn the points," the manager added

"We had the confidence before the match, throughout the game and following the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds can take a lot from this display with the manner they have performed in this second half"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

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