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

Leeds got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead before the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

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

And with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue fresh directions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell 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 sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I ask the assistant referee at this moment if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost turned around their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side were only capable to regroup after Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

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

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds suffered four consecutive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half performance provided enough evidence to suggest they are able of halting their present form and climbing up the table

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

"We had the belief before the game, during the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

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