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

Leeds made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

However, Leeds rallied following the break following a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the resumption

And with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue new instructions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke stated

"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 approve? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just try to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less Premier League goals this season

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that almost reversed their situation

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

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two in attack and changed the setup a bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the match. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

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

However, while Daniel Farke said that "their overriding emotion is frustration", their second period performance provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their current form and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity to win the points," Farke continued

"We had the belief prior to the game, throughout the game and following the game. Or else you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It looked like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but City found a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"