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

Leeds made the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

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

And with City clearly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue new directions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched fewer Premier League goals this season

Strategic Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure especially around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a bold choice at the interval that almost turned around their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and altered the formation a bit," commented Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds suffered four successive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their season ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our main emotion is disappointment", their second period display provided enough proof to suggest they are capable of halting their current form and climbing back up the table

"To show such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the results," Farke added

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, throughout the game and after the game. Or else you can't come back with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

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

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

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

"It looked like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds' season, but City discovered a bit of quality. They got away with one this evening"