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

Leeds got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied following the break after a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the restart

And with City clearly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue new instructions during the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of 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 keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our players in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having scored fewer top-flight goals this term

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure particularly around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous choice at the interval that nearly turned around their situation

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

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

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the match. We assembled on the side of the field and changed a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

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

However, while Farke said that "their main emotion is frustration", their second period display provided enough proof to indicate they are able of arresting their present run and moving back up the table

"To show such a performance should provide us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to win the points," Farke continued

"We possessed the confidence prior to the match, during the game and following the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

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

"Leeds can derive a lot from this display with the manner they have played in this second period"

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but Manchester City discovered a measure of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"