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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" during their top-flight fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back following the break following a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the restart

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply attempt to bend the rules 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 rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League goals this season

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold decision at the interval that nearly reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his side were only able to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair up top and altered the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the game. 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 get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds United lost four consecutive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second period performance provided enough evidence to suggest they are capable of halting their present form and moving back up the table

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to earn the points," the manager continued

"We had the belief before the match, during the fixture and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

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

"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 roughed up the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City discovered a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"