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

Leeds made the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Denied

However, the visitors fought back after the break after a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue fresh instructions in the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

"I ask the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't teach our footballers in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having scored fewer Premier League goals this season

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness particularly around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their situation

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only capable to regroup following Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they deployed two up top and changed the formation a little bit," commented Phil Foden

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

Positive Signs for Leeds United

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

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second period display offered enough evidence to indicate they are capable of halting their present run and climbing back up the standings

"To show such a performance should provide us lots of confidence. If we show such determination and unity we have a great chance to earn the results," the manager added

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, throughout the game and after the game. Or else you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

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

"Leeds 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 criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but City found a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"