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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their top-flight fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, the visitors rallied after the break after a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the resumption

Furthermore with City visibly having difficulty to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue fresh directions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply try to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less Premier League goals this season

Tactical Adjustments

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

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only capable to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair up top and changed the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds United suffered four straight successive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their main emotion is frustration", their second period performance offered enough proof to suggest they are capable of halting their present run and climbing up the standings

"To show such a performance should provide us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to win the results," Farke continued

"We possessed the confidence before the game, throughout the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds 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 often criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

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