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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has accused City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their Premier League match at the Etihad

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

However, the visitors fought back following the break following a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the restart

And with City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and deliver fresh directions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"Unless we educate our footballers in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt to exploit regulations 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 regulations I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having scored fewer top-flight strikes this season

Strategic Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the interval that almost turned around their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only capable to regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two in attack and altered the setup a little bit," commented Phil Foden

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

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

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

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their main emotion is frustration", their second period display offered sufficient evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their current run and climbing back up the standings

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a excellent opportunity to win the points," the manager continued

"We had the confidence prior to the game, during the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected 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 manner they have performed in this second period"

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It looked like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but City discovered a bit of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"