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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke claimed City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their top-flight match at Etihad Stadium

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

However, Leeds rallied after the break following a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the restart

And with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver fresh directions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"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 approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched less top-flight strikes this season

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost turned around their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and changed the formation a bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The last time Leeds suffered four straight consecutive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with relegation

However, while Farke said that "their main feeling is frustration", their second period performance offered sufficient evidence to indicate they are able of halting their present run and climbing back up the table

"To show such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the points," Farke continued

"We had the belief before the game, during the game and following the game. Or else you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City discovered a measure of quality. They escaped with one this evening"