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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

The visitors got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

However, the visitors fought back after the interval following a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the restart

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue fresh instructions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I ask the fourth official at this point if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in terms 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 extra team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched fewer top-flight strikes this season

Strategic Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was nearly vindicated for a bold decision at the interval that almost turned around their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair in attack and altered the formation a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We assembled on the side of the pitch and changed a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds United lost four consecutive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their season ended with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke said that "their overriding emotion is disappointment", their second-half display provided enough proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their present form and moving back up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of belief. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the results," Farke continued

"We had the belief before the game, throughout the game and after the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

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

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

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