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

The visitors got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back following the interval after a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue fresh instructions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down 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 should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight goals this season

Strategic Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure especially around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost turned around their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his side were only capable to regroup following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

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

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the match. We assembled on the edge of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four successive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their season ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half display provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are able of halting their current form and climbing back up the table

"Displaying such a display should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to earn the results," the manager added

"We possessed the confidence before the match, throughout the game and following the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

"Leeds can derive a lot from this display with the way they have played in this second period"

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

"It appeared like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City discovered a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"