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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

The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied after the break after a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the restart

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue new directions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our players in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we simply try to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight goals this term

Strategic Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly turned around their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his team were only able to regroup after Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the setup a bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

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

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main feeling is frustration", their second period display provided enough evidence to indicate they are capable of halting their current form and climbing back up the standings

"To show such a performance should provide us lots of belief. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity to win the results," Farke continued

"We had the belief prior to the match, during the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

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

"It appeared like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds' season, but Manchester City discovered a measure of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"