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

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back after the interval after a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver fresh directions during the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. 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 reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our players in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to place them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having notched less Premier League goals this term

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the interval that nearly turned around their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his team were only able to regroup after Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair in attack and changed the formation a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

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

However, while Farke said that "our main emotion is disappointment", their second-half performance provided enough proof to suggest they are capable of halting their current form and moving back up the table

"To show such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to earn the points," Farke added

"We possessed the confidence prior to the match, throughout the game and after the encounter. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

"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 adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but City found a measure of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"