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

Leeds got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back following the break following a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and deliver new directions during the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. 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 sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in regards 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 like myself. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having notched fewer Premier League goals this season

Strategic Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a bold decision at the interval that nearly reversed their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his side were only capable to regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

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

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The last time Leeds suffered four straight consecutive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with relegation

However, while Farke said that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second-half display offered enough evidence to indicate they are capable of halting their present run and climbing back up the table

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

"We had the confidence prior to the match, during the game and after the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City discovered a measure of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"