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

Leeds made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back following the break after a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the restart

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver new instructions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not 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 up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and everything and if we just try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched fewer Premier League goals this term

Tactical Changes

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

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only capable to regroup after Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair up top and changed the setup a bit," said Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

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

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second period performance offered enough proof to suggest they are able of arresting their present run and moving back up the table

"To show such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great opportunity to win the points," the manager continued

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, during the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds United's season, but City found a bit of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"