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Leeds manager Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" during their top-flight match at the Etihad

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, Leeds rallied after the interval after a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the resumption

And with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue fresh instructions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules 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 within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

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

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was nearly vindicated for a courageous choice at the interval that almost turned around their situation

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

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair up top and changed the formation a little bit," said Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the match. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds United suffered four straight successive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with demotion

However, while Farke stated that "their overriding emotion is frustration", their second period display offered sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their present run and climbing up the table

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a great opportunity to earn the results," Farke added

"We possessed the confidence prior to the game, during the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

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

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City discovered a bit of quality. They escaped with one this evening"