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

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Denied

However, Leeds rallied after the interval following a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the restart

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver fresh directions during the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored fewer Premier League goals this term

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his team were only capable to reorganize after Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair up top and changed the setup a bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

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

However, while Daniel Farke said that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second period display provided enough proof to suggest they are able of halting their current run and moving back up the table

"Displaying such a performance should provide us plenty of belief. If we show such determination and unity we have a excellent opportunity to win the points," the manager added

"We had the belief prior to the game, during the game and after the game. Or else you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- 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 period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but Manchester City found a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"