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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League fixture at the Etihad

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

Second-Half Revival Denied

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

And with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver new instructions during the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less top-flight strikes this term

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a courageous choice at the interval that almost reversed their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup after Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

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

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds suffered four successive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Farke said that "their overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period display offered sufficient evidence to suggest they are capable of halting their current run and climbing up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a great opportunity to win the points," Farke continued

"We had the belief prior to the match, throughout the game and after the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

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

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It looked like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but City discovered a bit of quality. They got away with one this evening"