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Leeds manager Daniel Farke claimed City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" in their top-flight fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead before the interval

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

However, Leeds rallied after the interval after a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the resumption

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue fresh instructions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we just try to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a bold decision at the interval that nearly turned around their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only capable to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the formation a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds lost four straight consecutive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second period display offered enough evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their present run and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the results," Farke added

"We had the belief before the game, during the game and after the game. Or else you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

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

"It appeared like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds' campaign, but City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"