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

Leeds made the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

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

And with City visibly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver new instructions during the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this point if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we teach our players in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

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

Strategic Adjustments

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

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side were only capable to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and changed the setup a little bit," commented Foden

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

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds lost four straight successive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "our main feeling is frustration", their second period performance provided enough evidence to suggest they are able of halting their present form and climbing up the standings

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

"We had the belief prior to the game, during the game and following the game. Or else you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

"It looked like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds' season, but City discovered a measure of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"