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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke claimed City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League match at Etihad Stadium

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the interval

Second Period Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied following the break after a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the restart

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and deliver fresh directions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone knows 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 like it? 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 governing bodies to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and everything and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight strikes this season

Strategic Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a bold choice at the interval that nearly reversed their situation

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

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and altered the formation a little bit," said Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds United lost four successive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our main feeling is frustration", their second-half performance offered enough evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their present run and moving up the table

"Displaying such a performance should provide us lots of confidence. If we show such determination and unity we have a excellent chance to earn the points," Farke added

"We possessed the belief before the game, during the game and after the encounter. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City discovered a bit of quality. They got away with one this evening"