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

Leeds made the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

However, Leeds rallied after the interval after a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the restart

And with City visibly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and deliver new instructions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just try to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer top-flight goals this term

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous choice at the interval that nearly turned around their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only capable to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the formation a little bit," said Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the field and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The last time Leeds suffered four successive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second-half performance provided sufficient evidence to suggest they are able of halting their present form and climbing up the table

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the results," the manager added

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

Expert Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward win 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 period"

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"