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Leeds manager Daniel Farke claimed City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League match at the Etihad

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

Second Period Revival Denied

However, the visitors fought back following the interval following a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the restart

Furthermore with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue fresh directions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke commented

"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 sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you want to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and everything and if we just try to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less top-flight strikes this term

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Foden, said that his team were only able to regroup following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

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

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

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

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their main feeling is frustration", their second period display provided sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their present form and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us lots of confidence. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to win the points," the manager continued

"We possessed the belief before the match, throughout the game and following the encounter. Or else you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

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

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City found a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"