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

Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

However, the visitors rallied following the interval following a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the restart

And with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver new directions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," 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 clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I questioned the assistant referee at this point if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having scored fewer top-flight goals this season

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous decision at the half-time that nearly turned around their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his team were only capable to regroup following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put two in attack and altered the formation a bit," said Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the field and changed a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

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

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main feeling is frustration", their second period performance provided sufficient evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their present form and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to earn the results," Farke added

"We possessed the belief before the game, throughout the game and following the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

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