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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League match at Etihad Stadium

Leeds made the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage ahead of the interval

Second Period Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied following the break after a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions in the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even 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 have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less Premier League goals this term

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that almost turned around their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize after Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the formation a bit," commented Foden

"We really struggled 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 little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds United lost four successive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "their overriding feeling is disappointment", their second period display offered enough evidence to indicate they are capable of halting their current form and moving back up the standings

"To show such a display should provide us lots of belief. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the points," the manager continued

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

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It looked like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City discovered a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"