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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke claimed City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" during their top-flight match at the Etihad

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

Second-Half Revival Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied after the break after a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the resumption

Furthermore with City visibly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue new directions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less Premier League goals this term

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure especially around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

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

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they deployed two in attack and changed the formation a little bit," said Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the match. We got together on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds suffered four consecutive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second period display provided sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of halting their current run and climbing back up the standings

"To show such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent chance to earn the points," Farke added

"We had the confidence prior to the game, throughout the game and following the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

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

"It looked like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City found a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"