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Leeds United 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 opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage ahead of the interval

Second Period Revival Thwarted

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

And with City clearly having difficulty to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue new directions during the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less Premier League goals this term

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness particularly around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a bold choice at the half-time that almost turned around their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his side were only capable to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"During the break we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair up top and changed the formation a little bit," said Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The last time Leeds United suffered four consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second period performance provided sufficient proof to indicate they are able of halting their current run and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to earn the points," Farke added

"We had the confidence prior to the game, throughout the fixture and following the game. Or else you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

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

"Leeds can take a lot from this performance with the manner they have performed in this second period"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City found a bit of quality. They escaped with one this evening"