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

The visitors got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back after the break after a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the resumption

And with City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue new instructions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"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 within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our players in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League matches to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less Premier League goals this term

Strategic Adjustments

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

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

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they put two in attack and altered the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds suffered four straight consecutive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their overriding emotion is frustration", their second-half performance provided enough proof to indicate they are capable of halting their present run and moving back up the standings

"To show such a performance should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to win the points," the manager added

"We had the belief prior to the game, during the fixture and after the encounter. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

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

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City centre-backs"

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