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

Leeds made the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

However, Leeds rallied following the interval after a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and deliver fresh directions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"If we don't educate our players in the game what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and everything and if we just try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure especially around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only capable to regroup following Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair up top and altered the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the match. We got together on the side of the pitch and changed a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds suffered four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "their overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half display provided sufficient proof to suggest they are able of arresting their present run and moving back up the table

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

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

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

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

"It looked like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but Manchester City found a bit of quality. They got away with one this evening"