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

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the interval

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

However, the visitors rallied following the break following a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

And with City visibly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue new directions during the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt to bend the rules 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 within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having scored fewer Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure particularly around changes, was almost rewarded for a courageous decision at the interval that nearly turned around their situation

Talking to television pundits, Foden, said that his team were only capable to regroup following Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair in attack and changed the formation a bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the match. We assembled on the side of the field and adjusted a few things 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 lost four consecutive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance provided enough evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their current form and climbing back up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to win the results," the manager continued

"We had the belief before the game, during the fixture and after the game. Or else you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

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

"It looked like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds' season, but City found a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"