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

The visitors made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

However, Leeds fought back after the break following a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the restart

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue fresh directions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke commented

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

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this point 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 fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just try to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within 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 division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less top-flight goals this term

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold choice at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup after Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair up top and altered the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds lost four straight successive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our overriding emotion is frustration", their second period performance offered sufficient proof to suggest they are able of arresting their present run and moving back up the table

"To show such a performance should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great opportunity to win the points," the manager added

"We had the belief prior to the game, throughout the game and after the game. Or else you can't come back with a showing like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

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

"It appeared like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but City found a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"