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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke claimed City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" in their top-flight fixture at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, the visitors rallied following the interval after a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the restart

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue new directions during the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this moment if you want to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight matches to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having scored fewer Premier League goals this season

Tactical Changes

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

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his team were only able to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair up top and altered the setup a bit," said Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

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

However, while Farke stated that "our main emotion is frustration", their second-half display provided sufficient evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their present form and moving back up the table

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

"We possessed the confidence before the game, throughout the game and after the encounter. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have great unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this performance 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 roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

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