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

Leeds made the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the interval

Second-Half Comeback Denied

However, Leeds fought back after the interval following a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the resumption

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver new directions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. 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 keep to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I ask the fourth official at this moment if you want to take action. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't teach our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and everything and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League goals this term

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost turned around their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his team were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the setup a bit," commented Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We got together on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four straight successive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second period performance offered enough proof to suggest they are capable of halting their present run and moving up the table

"To show such a performance should provide us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to earn the results," Farke continued

"We possessed the confidence prior to the game, throughout the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds' campaign, but City found a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"