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

The visitors made the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back after the break after a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue new instructions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just try to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to place them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having notched fewer Premier League goals this season

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that almost reversed their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only able to regroup after Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and changed the setup a little bit," commented Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds United lost four straight successive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second-half display offered sufficient evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their current run and moving up the table

"To show such a performance should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great chance to earn the results," the manager continued

"We had the belief prior to the match, during the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

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

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