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

Leeds made the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied following the interval after a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the restart

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and deliver new directions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the assistant referee at this point if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we educate our footballers in football what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight strikes this season

Strategic Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost turned around their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they came out, harried us a lot higher, they deployed a pair up top and altered the formation a bit," said Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds United lost four consecutive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "their overriding feeling is disappointment", their second period display offered enough proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their current run and moving up the table

"Displaying such a performance should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to win the results," the manager continued

"We had the belief prior to the match, throughout the fixture and after the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds can take a lot from this performance with the way they have performed in this second period"

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

"It appeared like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City discovered a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"