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

The visitors made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Denied

However, Leeds rallied following the break following a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the resumption

And with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions during the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. 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 sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored fewer Premier League goals this season

Tactical Changes

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

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his team were only able to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two in attack and altered the formation a little bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

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

However, while Farke said that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second period performance provided enough evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their current form and moving up the table

"Displaying such a display should give us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great chance to earn the points," Farke continued

"We had the belief prior to the game, during the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

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

"It appeared like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds United's season, but City discovered a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"