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Leeds 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

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the interval

Second Period Revival Thwarted

However, the visitors fought back after the break after a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the restart

Furthermore with City visibly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue new directions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with 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 solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I ask the fourth official at this moment if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we educate our footballers in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less Premier League strikes this season

Strategic Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a bold decision at the interval that almost turned around their situation

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

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair in attack and changed the formation a bit," commented Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds suffered four straight consecutive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "their overriding emotion is frustration", their second period display offered sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of halting their current form and climbing back up the table

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great chance to earn the points," the manager added

"We possessed the confidence prior to the game, throughout the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have great unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

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

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