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

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied following the break following a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the resumption

And with City clearly having difficulty to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue fresh directions during the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with 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"

Coach's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we teach our footballers in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less Premier League strikes this season

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure especially around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the interval that almost reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his team were only able to regroup following Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two in attack and altered the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch 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 most recent occasion Leeds United lost four straight consecutive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their season ended with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "their overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period display provided enough proof to suggest they are able of arresting their current form and moving back up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of belief. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the results," the manager continued

"We had the confidence prior to the game, during the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

"Leeds United can take a lot from this display with the manner they have played in this second half"

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

"It appeared like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but City discovered a measure of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"