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

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

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the break following a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the restart

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue fresh directions during the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I ask the fourth official at this point if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our footballers in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

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

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the interval that nearly reversed their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and changed the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds lost four straight successive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with demotion

However, while Farke said that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second period performance offered enough evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their present form and climbing back up the table

"Displaying such a display should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great chance to win the results," the manager continued

"We had the confidence prior to the match, during the game and after the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

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

"It looked like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"