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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke has accused City keeper 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 first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied after the interval after a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue fresh directions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and whatever 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 personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League goals this season

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold choice at the interval that nearly turned around their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his side were only capable to regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair up top and altered the formation a bit," said Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the side of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds United lost four straight successive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Farke stated that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period performance provided sufficient evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their current run and climbing up the table

"To show such a performance should provide us plenty of belief. If we show such determination and unity we have a great opportunity to win the results," the manager added

"We had the belief before the game, during the game and following the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

"Leeds can derive 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 proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City discovered a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"