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

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied following the break following a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the restart

And with City visibly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue fresh directions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone 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 within the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"Unless we teach our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored fewer Premier League goals this term

Strategic Changes

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

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

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two in attack and altered the formation a bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

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

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period performance offered enough evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their present form and climbing back up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the points," Farke continued

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

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

"Leeds can derive a lot from this display with the manner they have played in this second period"

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

"It appeared like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but City found a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"