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Leeds manager Daniel Farke claimed City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the interval

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

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

And with City visibly having difficulty to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver new directions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we just try to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less Premier League goals this season

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure particularly around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly turned around their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his team were only able to regroup following Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair 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 field and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four successive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half display offered enough evidence to indicate they are capable of halting their present form and moving up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a great opportunity to win the points," the manager continued

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, throughout the fixture and following the game. Or else you can't come back with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

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

"It looked like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but Manchester City discovered a bit of quality. They escaped with one this evening"