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Leeds manager Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League match at the Etihad

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the interval

Second Period Revival Thwarted

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

And with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and issue new instructions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for 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 options are limited"

"Unless we teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship 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 extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

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

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure especially around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the interval that nearly turned around their fortunes

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

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and altered the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We assembled on the side of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds United lost four straight successive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second-half display offered enough evidence to indicate they are able of halting their current run and moving up the table

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the points," Farke added

"We possessed the belief before the game, throughout the fixture and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds United's season, but City discovered a measure of quality. They escaped with one this evening"