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

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

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

And with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver new directions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you want to take action. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we educate our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored fewer Premier League goals this season

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure particularly around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a bold choice at the interval that nearly turned around their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his side were only able to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"During the break we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair in attack and changed the formation a bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds lost four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their overriding feeling is disappointment", their second period performance offered sufficient evidence to indicate they are capable of halting their current form and climbing back up the standings

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

"We had the confidence before the game, during the fixture and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

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