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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their top-flight fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the interval

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied after the interval following a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue fresh directions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everybody 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 smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"Unless we educate our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League matches to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched fewer Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous choice at the interval that nearly reversed their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his team were only capable to regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

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

"We genuinely had difficulty 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 crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds lost four successive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with relegation

However, while Farke said that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half display offered sufficient evidence to suggest they are capable of halting their present form and moving back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great chance to win the points," Farke continued

"We had the confidence prior to the match, during the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

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

"It looked like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City discovered a measure of quality. They escaped with one this evening"