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Leeds manager Daniel Farke has accused City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" in their top-flight fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

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

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver fresh directions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we educate our footballers in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we simply try to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

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 Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League goals this term

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost reversed their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two in attack and altered the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really 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"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds suffered four straight successive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their main emotion is frustration", their second-half display provided enough evidence to suggest they are able of halting their current form and moving back up the standings

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great chance to earn the points," the manager continued

"We had the belief before the game, during the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this display with the manner they have performed in this second period"

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester 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"