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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their top-flight fixture at the Etihad

The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied following the interval after a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue new instructions in the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the rules. 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 keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and everything and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness particularly around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his team were only capable to reorganize following Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair in attack and changed the formation a little bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds United lost four straight successive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second period display provided enough proof to suggest they are able of halting their present form and moving up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the points," the manager added

"We had the belief before the game, throughout the game and after the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City centre-backs"

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