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

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

Second-Half Comeback Denied

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

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver fresh directions during the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

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

Coach's Frustration

"I ask the assistant referee 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 regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we just try to exploit regulations 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 within the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds 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

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold choice at the half-time that nearly turned around their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only capable to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they deployed a pair up top and altered the setup a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely 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 straight consecutive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their season ended with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main emotion is frustration", their second period display provided sufficient proof to indicate they are able of halting their current form and climbing back up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we show such determination and unity we have a great chance to win the points," the manager continued

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, throughout the fixture and after the game. Or else you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds' season, but City discovered a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"