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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke has accused City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" in their top-flight fixture at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

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

Furthermore with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and deliver new instructions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous decision at the interval that nearly turned around their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize after Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair up top and altered the formation a little bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The last time Leeds United suffered four successive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second period performance provided enough evidence to indicate they are able of halting their current run and moving up the table

"Displaying such a performance should provide us lots of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to earn the results," Farke added

"We possessed the confidence prior to the game, during the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you can't come back with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

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

"It appeared like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but Manchester City discovered a measure of quality. They got away with one this evening"