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Leeds manager Daniel Farke claimed City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" during their top-flight match at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage ahead of the interval

Second-Half Revival Denied

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

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver fresh directions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

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

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the interval that nearly turned around their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only capable to regroup following Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in command. Second half they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair up top and changed the setup a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with demotion

However, while Farke stated that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second-half display provided sufficient evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their present run and climbing up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the results," the manager continued

"We had the belief before the game, throughout the game and following the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable 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 way they have played in this second half"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

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