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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 got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the interval

Second-Half Revival Denied

However, the visitors rallied following the break following a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver fresh directions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with 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 resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we educate our footballers in football what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and everything and if we just attempt to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League fixtures to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less top-flight goals this term

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure particularly around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a courageous decision at the interval that nearly reversed their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his side were only able to reorganize after Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair in attack and changed the setup a bit," commented Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds suffered four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second period performance provided sufficient evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their present form and climbing back up the table

"To show such a performance should provide us plenty of confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to win the points," the manager added

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, throughout the game and following the encounter. Or else you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

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

"Leeds can derive a lot from this display with the way they have played in this second period"

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but City found a measure of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"