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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke claimed City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League fixture at the Etihad

Leeds made the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead before the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied after the break after a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the restart

And with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue fresh instructions in the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? 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 ask the fourth official at this moment if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we teach our players in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we simply try 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 within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League goals this term

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure especially around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a bold choice at the interval that almost reversed their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his side were only capable to regroup after Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they came out, harried us a lot higher, they put two in attack and changed the setup a bit," said Phil Foden

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

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds suffered four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our overriding emotion is frustration", their second period performance offered sufficient proof to indicate they are able of halting their present form and climbing up the standings

"Displaying such a display should provide us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a excellent opportunity to earn the results," the manager continued

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, during the fixture and following the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

"Leeds United can take a lot from this display with the way they have performed 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 was introduced and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but City found a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"