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

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

However, the visitors rallied following the break after a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue new directions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within 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 up to the authorities to determine a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"Unless we educate our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight matches to place them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less top-flight goals this term

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the interval that nearly turned around their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the setup a bit," said Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the side of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four successive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "our main emotion is frustration", their second-half display offered enough evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting 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 unity we have a excellent chance to earn the points," Farke continued

"We had the belief prior to the game, throughout the game and following the encounter. Or else you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised 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 pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but Manchester City found a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"