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

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

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, Leeds rallied after the interval after a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the resumption

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and deliver new instructions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the spirit 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 Frustration

"I ask the fourth official at this moment if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched fewer top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness particularly around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly turned around their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two in attack and changed the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the match. We got together on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds lost four straight successive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our main feeling is frustration", their second period display provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are capable of halting their present form and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should provide us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great opportunity to earn the results," the manager added

"We possessed the belief before the match, throughout the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds can derive a lot from this performance with the manner they have played in this second half"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but City discovered a bit of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"