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

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

However, Leeds fought back after the interval following a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and deliver new instructions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and everything and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to place them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having notched fewer top-flight strikes this term

Strategic Changes

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

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his team were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

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

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the game. We assembled on the side of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds suffered four straight successive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our main emotion is disappointment", their second-half performance provided sufficient proof to suggest they are able of arresting their present run and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should provide us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a great opportunity to win the points," Farke added

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

Expert Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

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

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