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

The visitors got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

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

And with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue new directions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our footballers in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having scored fewer top-flight goals this season

Tactical Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was almost rewarded for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost turned around their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only able to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the formation a bit," said Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the match. We got together on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds suffered four straight consecutive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second period display offered sufficient evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their current form and climbing up the table

"Displaying such a display should give us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a great opportunity to win the results," the manager continued

"We possessed the confidence before the match, during the game and after the game. Or else you can't respond with a performance like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds can take a lot from this display with the manner 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 was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

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