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

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

Second Period Revival Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the interval after a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the resumption

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and issue new instructions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer top-flight goals this term

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost turned around their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two in attack and changed the setup a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the game. We assembled on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds suffered four straight consecutive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance provided sufficient evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their current run and moving back up the table

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we show such determination and unity we have a excellent chance to win the points," Farke continued

"We had the belief prior to the match, during the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

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

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