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

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied following the break following a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the resumption

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue fresh instructions in the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

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

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost turned around their fortunes

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

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and changed the formation a bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the game. We assembled on the side of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds United lost four straight successive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance provided enough proof to indicate they are able of halting their present form and climbing up the standings

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a great chance to win the points," Farke continued

"We possessed the confidence prior to the match, throughout the game and after the encounter. Or else you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City discovered a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"