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

Leeds got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

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

And with City clearly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue fresh directions 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 bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Changes

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

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

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

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds lost four straight successive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second period performance provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their current run and climbing up the standings

"To show such a display should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to win the points," Farke continued

"We possessed the confidence before the game, during the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

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

"Leeds can derive a lot from this performance with the way they have played in this second half"

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

"It appeared like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City found a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"