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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" during their Premier League fixture at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, the visitors fought back after the break after a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver new directions during the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"Unless we educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to place them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly turned around their situation

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

"During the break we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and altered the setup a bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

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

However, while Farke said that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half performance provided sufficient proof to indicate they are able of halting their current run and moving up the table

"To show such a performance should provide us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the points," the manager added

"We had the belief prior to the match, during the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have great unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

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

"It appeared like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds' season, but City discovered a measure of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"