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Leeds manager Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" in their top-flight fixture at the Etihad

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

However, the visitors fought back following the break after a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions in the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched fewer Premier League goals this season

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold choice at the half-time that almost turned around their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his team were only able to reorganize following Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two up top and changed the formation a bit," commented Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the game. 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 Signs for Leeds United

The last time Leeds lost four consecutive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second period display provided enough evidence to indicate they are able of halting their present form and moving up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to win the points," the manager continued

"We possessed the confidence prior to the match, during the game and following the game. Or else you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

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

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

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