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Leeds manager Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" during their Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage ahead of the interval

Second-Half Revival Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied following the break after a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the resumption

And with City visibly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver new directions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I ask the fourth official at this moment if you want to take action. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold choice at the half-time that nearly turned around their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup following Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they put two up top and altered the formation a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

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

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our main feeling is frustration", their second period performance offered sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their current run and moving back up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the results," the manager added

"We possessed the confidence prior to the match, during the game and after the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It looked like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds' season, but Manchester City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"