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

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

Second Period Revival Thwarted

However, Leeds rallied following the interval following a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the restart

And with City clearly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver new directions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone 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 regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less top-flight goals this term

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that almost reversed their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two in attack and changed the setup a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the match. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second-half display provided enough evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their present form and moving back up the table

"To show such a display should give us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the points," the manager added

"We had the confidence prior to the game, during the game and following the encounter. Or else you can't come back with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

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

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

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

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