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Leeds manager Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League match at Etihad Stadium

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage ahead of the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied following the interval following a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the restart

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue fresh directions in the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we teach our footballers in football what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having scored fewer top-flight goals this season

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure especially around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the interval that almost turned around their situation

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

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two up top and altered the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds United suffered four successive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance offered enough proof to suggest they are capable of halting their current form and moving up the table

"To show such a performance should provide us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent chance to earn the results," Farke added

"We possessed the confidence prior to the match, throughout the game and after the game. Or else you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It looked like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City found a bit of quality. They got away with one this evening"