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

The visitors got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back following the interval following a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the resumption

Furthermore with City visibly having difficulty to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue new instructions in the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"Unless we educate our players in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Changes

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

Talking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two in attack and changed the formation a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four successive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with demotion

However, while Farke said that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second period performance provided enough evidence to indicate they are capable of halting their present run and moving back up the table

"To show such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we show such spirit and unity we have a excellent chance to earn the results," Farke added

"We had the confidence prior to the game, during the fixture and after the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but City discovered a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"