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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke claimed City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their Premier League match at the Etihad

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

However, Leeds fought back after the break following a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue new instructions in the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. 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 ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to find a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having notched fewer top-flight goals this season

Tactical Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold decision at the interval that nearly turned around their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his side were only capable to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

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

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the game. We assembled on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

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

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second period performance offered sufficient evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their present form and moving back up the standings

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

"We had the belief before the game, throughout the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but Manchester City found a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"