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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke claimed City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League match at the Etihad

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

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

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

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and deliver new directions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. 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 up to the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"Unless we teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even 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 rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League strikes this season

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold choice at the interval that nearly reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his team were only capable to regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in command. Second half they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair up top and altered the setup a bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the match. We assembled on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

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

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their overriding emotion is frustration", their second-half display offered enough evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their present run and moving up the standings

"To show such a display should provide us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great opportunity to win the points," the manager continued

"We had the confidence before the match, throughout the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

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

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City discovered a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"