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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their Premier League fixture at the Etihad

Leeds made the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Denied

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

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions in the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we educate our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having notched fewer top-flight strikes this season

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was nearly vindicated for a bold choice at the interval that almost turned around their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize following Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in command. Second half they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put two in attack and altered the formation a bit," said Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds lost four straight successive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half display provided enough evidence to indicate they are capable of halting their present run and climbing back up the table

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to win the results," Farke added

"We had the belief before the game, during the game and following the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this display with the manner they have played 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 came on and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

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