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

Leeds got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage before the interval

Second Period Revival Thwarted

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

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous decision at the interval that nearly turned around their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his team were only capable to reorganize 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 higher, they put two in attack and altered the formation a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the side of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The last time Leeds United lost four straight consecutive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke said that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second period display provided sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their current run and climbing back up the table

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a excellent chance to win the points," Farke continued

"We possessed the belief before the game, throughout the fixture and following the game. Or else you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable 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 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 came on and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

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