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Leeds 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 made the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

However, the visitors fought back following the break after a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

And with City clearly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver fresh directions in the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just try to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched less Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness particularly around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost reversed their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and changed the setup a bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the field 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 last time Leeds lost four straight consecutive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main feeling is frustration", their second period display offered enough proof to indicate they are able of halting their current run and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should provide us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a great chance to win the results," Farke continued

"We possessed the belief before the match, during the game and after the encounter. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

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

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City discovered a measure of quality. They escaped with one this evening"