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

The visitors got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back following the interval following a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the resumption

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue fresh directions in the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. 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 reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Manager'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 the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just try to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having scored fewer top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only capable to regroup after Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they deployed two in attack and changed the setup a bit," commented Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the side of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds suffered four consecutive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "our main emotion is disappointment", their second-half display offered enough evidence to suggest they are able of halting their present run and moving back up the table

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

"We had the belief prior to the game, during the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

"Leeds can take a lot from this performance with the way they have performed in this second half"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City found a bit of quality. They escaped with one this evening"