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

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage ahead of the interval

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back after the interval after a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue new directions in the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I ask the fourth official at this moment if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having scored fewer Premier League goals this season

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a courageous choice at the interval that nearly turned around their situation

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

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and altered the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the match. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds lost four consecutive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our main emotion is frustration", their second period performance provided enough proof to indicate they are able of halting their present run and moving back up the standings

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a great opportunity to win the points," Farke added

"We possessed the confidence before the match, throughout the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

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

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but City discovered a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"