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

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage before the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

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

And with City visibly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver new instructions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke commented

"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 fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you want to take action. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't teach our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having scored fewer top-flight strikes this season

Strategic Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a bold choice at the interval that almost reversed their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup after Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put two up top and changed the formation a bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds United lost four straight consecutive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with demotion

However, while Farke said that "their main emotion is frustration", their second period display provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are able of halting their current run and moving back up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the points," Farke added

"We possessed the belief before the match, during the fixture and following the encounter. Or else you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

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

"It looked like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds' campaign, but City discovered a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"