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Leeds manager Daniel Farke has accused City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" during their top-flight match at Etihad Stadium

Leeds made the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the break after a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

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

Coach's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"Unless we educate our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less Premier League goals this term

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two in attack and changed the formation a bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the game. 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"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds United lost four straight successive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke said that "their main feeling is frustration", their second period display offered enough proof to indicate they are able of arresting their current form and moving back up the table

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

"We had the belief before the match, during the game and following the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City defenders"

"It looked like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City discovered a measure of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"