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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 got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied following the interval following a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the resumption

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and issue new instructions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and even 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 have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold choice at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize after Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair in attack and changed the setup a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds lost four successive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with demotion

However, while Farke stated that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance offered sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of halting their present run and moving back up the table

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the points," Farke added

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, throughout the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

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

"Leeds can derive a lot from this display with the manner they have played in this second period"

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

"It appeared like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City discovered a measure of quality. They got away with one this evening"