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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

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied after the interval following a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the restart

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue new directions in the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored fewer Premier League goals this season

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous choice at the interval that nearly reversed their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side were only capable to reorganize following Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put two in attack and altered the setup a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last time Leeds United suffered four consecutive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our main emotion is disappointment", their second-half performance provided sufficient proof to indicate they are able of arresting their current run and climbing back up the table

"Displaying such a display should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great opportunity to win the points," Farke continued

"We had the confidence before the match, during the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City defenders"

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