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

Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back after the interval after a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the restart

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and deliver fresh directions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"Unless we educate our footballers in football what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold choice at the interval that nearly reversed their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his team were only capable to regroup after Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, harried us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and altered the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We assembled on the edge of the field and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds lost four straight consecutive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main emotion is frustration", their second period display offered sufficient evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their present form and moving up the table

"To show such a performance should provide us lots of belief. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to win the points," Farke added

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, during the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

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

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this performance with the manner they have performed in this second half"

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

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