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

The visitors made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, the visitors rallied after the interval after a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the restart

And with City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver new directions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the spirit 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"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this point if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't teach our players in the game 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 an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having notched fewer top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

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

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only capable to regroup following Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair in attack and altered the setup a bit," commented Phil Foden

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

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds suffered four successive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "their overriding emotion is disappointment", their second-half display offered enough proof to suggest they are able of arresting their present run and moving back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a great opportunity to win the results," the manager added

"We had the belief prior to the match, during the game and after the encounter. Or else you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

"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 Manchester City defenders"

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