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

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the interval

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied following the break after a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue fresh instructions in the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Coach's Frustration

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you want to take action. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just try to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

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

Strategic Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure particularly around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a bold choice at the half-time that almost turned around their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Foden, said that his team were only able to regroup after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and changed the formation a bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds lost four successive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke said that "our main feeling is frustration", their second-half display offered sufficient evidence to suggest they are able of halting their current form and climbing up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the results," Farke added

"We possessed the confidence prior to the match, during the fixture and after the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds United can take a lot from this display with the way 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 ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

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