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Leeds manager Daniel Farke claimed City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

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

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue new directions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within 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 find a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"Unless we educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the interval that nearly turned around their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his side were only capable to regroup after Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two in attack and changed the setup a bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the game. We assembled 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"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last time Leeds lost four successive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half display provided sufficient evidence to suggest they are able of halting their present form and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the results," Farke continued

"We possessed the belief before the match, during the fixture and following the encounter. Or else you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds can take a lot from this performance with the way they have played in this second period"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It looked like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City discovered a bit of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"