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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League match at the Etihad

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the interval

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

However, Leeds fought back following the break after a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue fresh instructions during the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost reversed their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only able to regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they deployed a pair up top and altered the formation a little bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds United lost four straight successive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance offered enough evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their current run and moving back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity to earn the results," the manager continued

"We had the confidence prior to the match, throughout the game and following the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but City found a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"