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

The visitors made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Denied

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

And with City clearly struggling to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue new instructions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't 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 an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched fewer Premier League goals this term

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that almost reversed their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only capable to regroup following Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the setup a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with relegation

However, while Farke said that "our main feeling is frustration", their second period performance offered enough proof to suggest they are capable of halting their current form and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should provide us plenty of confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a great opportunity to earn the results," Farke added

"We had the confidence prior to the game, during the game and after the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for 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 performed in this second period"

"Following that were 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 City defenders"

"It looked like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but City discovered a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"