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

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead before the interval

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

However, the visitors fought back after the break after a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the restart

And with City visibly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue fresh directions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

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

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched fewer top-flight goals this term

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost turned around their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only capable to regroup after Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, harried us a lot higher, they deployed a pair up top and altered the formation a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second period display provided enough proof to suggest they are able of halting their current form and climbing back up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of confidence. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity to win the points," Farke continued

"We possessed the confidence prior to the match, throughout the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this performance with the manner they have played in this second half"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

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