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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" during their top-flight fixture at Etihad Stadium

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

Second Period Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back following the break following a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver fresh directions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just try to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost turned around their situation

Talking to television pundits, Foden, said that his team were only capable to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two in attack and altered the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds United lost four consecutive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with demotion

However, while Farke said that "our main emotion is frustration", their second period performance offered enough evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their present form and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a excellent opportunity to earn the results," Farke continued

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

Expert Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City found a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"