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

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage ahead of the interval

Second Period Revival Thwarted

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

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue fresh instructions during the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for 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"

"Unless we teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less top-flight strikes this season

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure especially around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a courageous choice at the half-time that nearly turned around their situation

Talking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair up top and changed the formation a little bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We assembled on the edge of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The last time Leeds lost four straight successive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second period performance provided enough evidence to suggest they are capable of halting their current form and moving up the standings

"To show such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and unity we have a excellent chance to win the points," Farke continued

"We had the confidence before the game, during the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a performance like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody 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"

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

"It appeared like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but Manchester City found a bit of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"