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

Leeds got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

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

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue fresh instructions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous choice at the interval that almost turned around their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his team were only able to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot higher, they put two in attack and altered the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

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

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds United suffered four successive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their overriding emotion is frustration", their second-half display provided sufficient proof to suggest they are able of halting their present form and moving back up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should provide us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to win the results," the manager added

"We possessed the confidence prior to the game, during the game and after the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

"Leeds United can take a lot from this display with the way they have performed in this second period"

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

"It looked like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City found a bit of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"