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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 top-flight fixture at the Etihad

The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

However, Leeds rallied after the interval after a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the restart

Furthermore with City visibly having difficulty to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue fresh instructions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the regulations. 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 keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"Unless we educate our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team talk, 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

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored fewer top-flight goals this term

Strategic Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure especially around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize after Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two in attack and altered the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The last time Leeds lost four consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke said that "their main emotion is frustration", their second period performance offered enough proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their current run and moving back up the standings

"To show such a display should provide us lots of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the points," Farke continued

"We possessed the belief before the match, during the fixture and after the game. Or else you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

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

"It appeared like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but City discovered a measure of quality. They got away with one this evening"