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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League match at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

However, Leeds rallied following the interval after a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the resumption

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue new directions during the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Frustration

"I ask the fourth official at this point if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply try to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less top-flight goals this season

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that almost turned around their situation

Talking to television pundits, Foden, said that his team were only capable to regroup following Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, harried us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and changed the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We assembled on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds suffered four straight successive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their main emotion is frustration", their second period performance provided enough evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their present run and climbing back up the standings

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and unity we have a excellent chance to earn the results," Farke added

"We had the belief prior to the game, during the fixture and following the game. Or else you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

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