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Leeds manager Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" during their Premier League match at the Etihad

The visitors made the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

However, the visitors fought back after the break following a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the restart

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to cope with the changes moments 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 directions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"Unless we teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply try to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Adjustments

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

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

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

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the match. We assembled on the edge of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period display provided enough evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their current form and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and unity we have a great opportunity to earn the points," Farke continued

"We had the belief prior to the game, throughout the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

"Leeds can take a lot from this performance with the way they have played 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 physically challenged the City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but City discovered a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"