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Leeds manager Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

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

Second-Half Revival Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the break after a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the restart

And with City clearly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and issue fresh instructions during the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight matches to place them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored fewer Premier League goals this season

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost turned around their situation

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

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot higher, they put two up top and changed the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We assembled on the side of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds suffered four consecutive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "our overriding emotion is frustration", their second-half display provided enough proof to suggest they are able of arresting their present form and moving back up the standings

"To show such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a great chance to earn the results," the manager added

"We had the belief before the game, during the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you can't come back with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds United 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 frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City defenders"

"It looked like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"