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

The visitors made the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage ahead of the interval

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the break after a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the restart

And with City visibly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver new instructions in the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the assistant referee at this point if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League matches to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched less top-flight goals this term

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold choice at the interval that nearly turned around their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his team were only capable to regroup after Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

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

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

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds lost four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their season ended with demotion

However, while Farke said that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance offered sufficient evidence to indicate they are capable of halting their current form and moving back up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the points," Farke continued

"We possessed the belief before the match, during the game and following the encounter. Or else you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this performance with the way they have played in this second period"

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"