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

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied following the break following a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the restart

And with City visibly having difficulty to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver new directions during the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our players in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we just attempt to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less top-flight strikes this season

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness especially around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly turned around their situation

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only capable to regroup following Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put two in attack and changed the formation a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four successive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our main emotion is frustration", their second-half performance offered enough proof to indicate they are capable of halting their present run and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should provide us lots of belief. If we show such spirit and unity we have a excellent chance to earn the points," the manager continued

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, during the game and following the encounter. Or else you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

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

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but City discovered a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"