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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke claimed City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League fixture at the Etihad

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

However, the visitors fought back after the break after a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the restart

And with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver new directions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everybody understands 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 bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

"I ask the fourth official at this point if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and everything and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and even 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 rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched fewer Premier League goals this term

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous decision at the interval that nearly turned around their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup following Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and changed the setup a bit," said 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 vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds United lost four successive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Farke stated that "our main feeling is frustration", their second-half performance provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their current run and climbing up the table

"To show such a display should give us lots of belief. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity to win the results," Farke continued

"We possessed the belief before the match, during the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It looked like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds' season, but Manchester City discovered a measure of quality. They got away with one this evening"