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Leeds manager Daniel Farke has accused City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

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

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

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

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver fresh directions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I ask the fourth official at this moment if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our footballers in football what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having scored fewer top-flight strikes this season

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the interval that nearly reversed their situation

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his team were only capable to reorganize after Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and altered the setup a bit," commented Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

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

However, while Farke said that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second period performance offered enough proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their current run and moving back up the table

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

"We possessed the confidence before the match, during the game and after the game. Or else you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City defenders"

"It looked like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds' season, but Manchester City found a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"