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

The visitors made the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied after the break following a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the resumption

And with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue fresh directions during the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try 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 allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League goals this season

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that nearly turned around their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only capable to regroup following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

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

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the match. We got together on the side of the field and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds suffered four consecutive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second period performance provided enough proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their current run and climbing back up the standings

"To show such a display should give us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a great opportunity to win the results," the manager continued

"We possessed the belief before the game, 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"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this performance with the manner they have performed in this second half"

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City defenders"

"It looked like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City found a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"