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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 fixture at the Etihad

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

However, the visitors rallied following the break following a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the restart

And with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and deliver new directions in the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure particularly around changes, was nearly vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost reversed their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only able to regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they put two in attack and altered the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds United lost four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with demotion

However, while Farke said that "our main feeling is frustration", their second period performance provided enough proof to suggest they are able of arresting their present run and climbing back up the table

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to win the points," Farke continued

"We had the confidence before the game, during the game and following the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds United can take a lot from this display with the manner they have performed in this second half"

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

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