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

The visitors got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, Leeds fought back following the break after a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the restart

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue new directions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you want to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we just attempt to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less Premier League strikes this season

Strategic Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that almost turned around their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his team were only capable to regroup after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the game. We got together on the side of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

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

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half display provided enough evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their present form and moving back up the table

"Displaying such a display should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a great opportunity to earn the points," Farke added

"We had the belief before the game, during the game and following the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

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

"It appeared like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City found a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"