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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their Premier League fixture at the Etihad

The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the interval

Second-Half Revival Denied

However, the visitors rallied after the break following a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the resumption

Furthermore with City clearly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue new instructions during the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is clever. 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 authorities to find a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury 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"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League goals this season

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a bold choice at the interval that nearly turned around their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his team were only capable to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two in attack and altered the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the side of the pitch and changed a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

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

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second period performance provided enough proof to suggest they are able of halting their present run and moving up the table

"To show such a performance should give us plenty of confidence. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity to earn the points," Farke continued

"We had the confidence prior to the match, during the game and following the encounter. Or else you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

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

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