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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" during their Premier League match at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Denied

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

And with City clearly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue fresh directions during the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"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 like it? If it's in line with 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"

Manager's Frustration

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

"Unless we teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we simply try to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched less Premier League goals this term

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only capable to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair up top and altered the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the match. We assembled on the side of the field and changed a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds United lost four straight consecutive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second-half performance provided sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of halting their current run and climbing back up the table

"To show such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the results," the manager added

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, during the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

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

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

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

"It looked like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City found a bit of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"