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

Leeds made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage ahead of the interval

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

However, Leeds rallied following the break following a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the resumption

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and deliver new directions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the sense 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 fourth official at this moment if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having notched fewer Premier League goals this season

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure especially around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the interval that almost turned around their situation

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his team were only able to reorganize following Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot higher, they deployed two in attack and changed the formation a bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds United lost four consecutive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second-half performance offered enough proof to suggest they are able of arresting their current form and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to win the points," Farke continued

"We had the belief prior to the game, during the game and following the game. Or else you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

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

"It appeared like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City discovered a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"