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Leeds manager Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their Premier League match at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage ahead of the interval

Second Period Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back following the break following a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

And with City visibly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver fresh directions during the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League matches to place them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League goals this term

Strategic Adjustments

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

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his team were only able to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two up top and altered the setup a bit," commented Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds lost four consecutive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke said that "their main emotion is frustration", their second-half performance offered enough evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their current form and climbing up the table

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to earn the results," the manager added

"We had the confidence prior to the match, during the game and following the encounter. Or else you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City defenders"

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