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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 fixture at the Etihad

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the interval

Second-Half Revival Denied

However, the visitors rallied following the break after a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the resumption

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue fresh directions in the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League goals this season

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that nearly turned around their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his team were only capable to reorganize following Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they put two in attack and changed the setup a bit," commented Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the game. We got together on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The last time Leeds lost four straight successive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second period performance offered sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of halting their present run and climbing back up the standings

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of belief. If we show such determination and unity we have a excellent opportunity to earn the results," the manager added

"We possessed the confidence before the game, during the game and following the game. Or else you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

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