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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their top-flight fixture at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied following the interval after a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the restart

And with City clearly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue fresh directions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I approve? 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 governing bodies to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you want to do something. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having scored fewer Premier League goals this term

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold choice at the interval that nearly reversed their situation

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

"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 changed the formation a little bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The last time Leeds United suffered four consecutive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main feeling is frustration", their second-half performance offered sufficient proof to suggest they are able of arresting their present form and climbing back up the table

"To show such a performance should provide us lots of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a great opportunity to earn the results," the manager added

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

Pundit Analysis

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

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City discovered a bit of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"