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

The visitors made the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

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

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and deliver new instructions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched fewer Premier League goals this season

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly turned around their situation

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

"During the break we were in command. Second half they came out, harried us a lot higher, they deployed two up top and changed the setup a bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We got together on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds United lost four successive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke said that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half display offered sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their present run and moving back up the standings

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

"We possessed the confidence prior to the game, throughout the game and following the game. Or else you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds United can take a lot from this display with the way they have played 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 City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds United's season, but City found a measure of quality. They escaped with one this evening"