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

Leeds got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

However, Leeds rallied after the interval following a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

"I ask the fourth official at this moment if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight matches to place them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched fewer top-flight goals this term

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup after Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two up top and altered the setup a bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We got together on the side of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds suffered four straight consecutive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke said that "their main feeling is frustration", their second period performance offered enough proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their present run and moving back up the table

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a great opportunity to win the results," the manager added

"We possessed the confidence before the game, during the game and after the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It looked like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds' season, but City found a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"