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Leeds manager Daniel Farke claimed City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage ahead of the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back after the interval following a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the restart

And with City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and deliver new directions during the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and everything and if we just try to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock 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 Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having notched less Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only able to regroup after Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair in attack and changed the setup a bit," said Foden

"We really 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 little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four consecutive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "their main feeling is frustration", their second period display provided sufficient proof to indicate they are able of arresting their current form and climbing up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us plenty of confidence. If we show such determination and unity we have a excellent chance to win the results," Farke added

"We possessed the belief before the match, during the game and after the game. Or else you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

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