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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League match at Etihad Stadium

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

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

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

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and deliver fresh directions during the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

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

Late Deciding Goal

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

Strategic Changes

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

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his side were only able to regroup following Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair up top and altered the setup a bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the match. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

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

However, while Daniel Farke said that "our main emotion is frustration", their second period performance provided sufficient proof to indicate they are able of arresting their current run and moving back up the table

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the points," Farke continued

"We had the belief before the match, throughout the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently 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 huge turning point in Leeds' season, but City found a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"