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

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

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

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

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions in the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke commented

"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 in line with the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our players in the game what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer top-flight goals this term

Tactical Adjustments

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

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and changed the formation a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the side of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds lost four straight successive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their overriding feeling is disappointment", their second period display offered sufficient proof to suggest they are able of halting their current form and moving up the table

"To show such a performance should provide us plenty of confidence. If we show such determination and unity we have a excellent chance to earn the points," Farke continued

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, during the game and following the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

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

"It appeared like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"