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

Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied following the interval following a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the restart

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue new directions during the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched fewer Premier League goals this season

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous choice at the half-time that nearly turned around their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only capable to regroup after Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the match. We got together on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds United lost four consecutive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "our main emotion is frustration", their second-half performance offered sufficient proof to indicate they are able of arresting their current form and climbing up the table

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a great chance to win the results," Farke continued

"We had the confidence before the game, throughout the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this performance with the manner they have performed in this second period"

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds United's season, but City discovered a measure of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"