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

The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back following the break following a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the resumption

And with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions in the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply try to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League goals this term

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the interval that nearly turned around their situation

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

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair up top and changed the setup a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds suffered four straight consecutive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke said that "their overriding emotion is disappointment", their second-half display provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their current run and moving back up the table

"To show such a performance should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great chance to win the results," Farke continued

"We had the belief prior to the match, during the game and following the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City defenders"

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