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

The visitors got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, the visitors fought back after the break following a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the resumption

And with City visibly having difficulty to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver fresh directions in the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? 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 authorities to find a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just try to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less top-flight strikes this season

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his team were only capable to regroup following Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two up top and altered the setup a bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. 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 United

The last time Leeds suffered four successive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period display offered enough evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their present run and moving back up the standings

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent chance to win the points," the manager added

"We had the belief prior to the game, throughout the game and after the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

"Leeds can derive a lot from this display with the manner they have performed 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 City centre-backs"

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