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

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Denied

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

And with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and deliver new directions in the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship 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 like personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

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 notched less top-flight strikes this season

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was nearly vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his team were only able to regroup following Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two in attack and changed the formation a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The last time Leeds United lost four successive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their season ended with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our main emotion is disappointment", their second-half display offered sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their current run and moving up the table

"To show such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the points," the manager added

"We possessed the confidence before the match, throughout the fixture and following the game. Or else you can't respond with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

"It looked like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City discovered a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"