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

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

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

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue fresh instructions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. 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 up to the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this point if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we teach our players in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored fewer top-flight goals this term

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness particularly around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

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

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

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the game. 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"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds United suffered four successive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke said that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second period display provided enough proof to suggest they are capable of halting their current form and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to win the points," Farke added

"We had the belief prior to the match, throughout the game and after the game. Or else you can't come back with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this performance with the manner they have performed in this second period"

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

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