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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke claimed City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" during their top-flight fixture at the Etihad

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

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, Leeds fought back after the interval after a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the resumption

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and deliver fresh directions in the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and everything and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less top-flight strikes this term

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost reversed their situation

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only capable to regroup following Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they came out, harried us a lot higher, they put two up top and changed the formation a bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the match. We got together on the side of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds United lost four successive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their overriding emotion is disappointment", their second-half display offered sufficient proof to suggest they are able of arresting their present form and moving up the table

"Displaying such a display should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the points," the manager continued

"We had the confidence prior to the match, throughout the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to 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 United's season, but City found a measure of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"