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Leeds manager Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" during their Premier League match at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Denied

However, the visitors rallied after the break after a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the resumption

And with City visibly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I like it? 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 determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I ask the fourth official at this moment if you want 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 whatever and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less top-flight goals this term

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his side were only able to reorganize after Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

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

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the game. We got together on the side of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

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

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "their overriding emotion is disappointment", their second-half display offered enough proof to suggest they are able of halting their present form and climbing back up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the results," Farke added

"We had the belief prior to the match, during the game and following the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently 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 pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but City found a bit of quality. They escaped with one this evening"