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

Leeds made the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, Leeds rallied after the interval after a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the restart

Furthermore with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue fresh directions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of 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 keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight matches to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less top-flight strikes this season

Tactical Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and altered the formation a little bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

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

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their overriding feeling is disappointment", their second period display provided sufficient evidence to suggest they are able of halting their present run and moving up the table

"To show such a performance should give us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great opportunity to earn the points," the manager continued

"We possessed the confidence before the game, during the fixture and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

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

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged 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"