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

Leeds made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Denied

However, the visitors fought back following the break after a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the restart

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue fresh directions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? 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 find a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this point if you want to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't teach our players in football what to do in regards 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 rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness particularly around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a courageous decision at the half-time that nearly turned around their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to reorganize following 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 changed the setup a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the match. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds suffered four consecutive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half performance provided enough evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their present run and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a great opportunity to earn the results," the manager added

"We had the belief prior to the match, throughout the game and following the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward win 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 manner they have played in this second half"

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

"It looked like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but City discovered a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"