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Leeds manager Daniel Farke has accused City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" in their top-flight fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back following the break after a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the restart

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue fresh instructions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. 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 ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"Unless we educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever 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 like personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a courageous decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their situation

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they put two in attack and altered the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the match. 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 United

The last time Leeds United suffered four straight successive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our main feeling is frustration", their second period display provided enough proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their current run and climbing up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the results," Farke continued

"We had the confidence prior to the game, throughout the game and after the encounter. Or else you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

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

"It looked like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds' season, but Manchester City found a measure of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"