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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke has accused City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their top-flight fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back following the break after a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the resumption

And with City visibly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue fresh instructions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

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

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having scored fewer Premier League goals this term

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold decision at the interval that nearly reversed their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his team were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the formation a little 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 few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The last time Leeds suffered four straight consecutive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period display provided enough proof to suggest they are able of halting their current run and moving back up the table

"Displaying such a display should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a great chance to win the results," the manager added

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, throughout the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It looked like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"