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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 made the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, Leeds rallied following the interval after a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the resumption

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and issue new directions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we just try to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having scored fewer Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost turned around their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only capable to regroup following Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two up top and altered the formation a bit," commented Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We assembled on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds lost four successive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half display provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their current form and moving back up the table

"To show such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent chance to earn the points," the manager added

"We had the confidence prior to the game, during the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

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