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

Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied following the interval after a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the resumption

And with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue new instructions in the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? 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 resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this moment if you want to do something. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and everything and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having scored fewer top-flight strikes this term

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous choice at the interval that nearly turned around their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his side were only able to regroup following Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two up top and changed the formation a little bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds lost four straight consecutive top-flight 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-half performance provided enough evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their present form and climbing back up the standings

"To show such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity to win the results," Farke continued

"We possessed the belief before the match, throughout the game and after the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It looked like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but Manchester City discovered a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"