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

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied following the break following a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the resumption

And with City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue new instructions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just try to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less top-flight goals this season

Tactical Adjustments

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

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his team were only capable to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they deployed a pair up top and changed the formation a bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We got together on the side of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds suffered four successive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second period display offered sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their current run and climbing back up the standings

"To show such a display should provide us lots of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the results," the manager added

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, during the fixture and following the encounter. Or else you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

"Leeds 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 was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It looked like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City discovered a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"