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

The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

However, the visitors rallied following the interval following a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue new instructions in the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned 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 sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less Premier League goals this season

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure particularly around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous choice at the interval that nearly reversed their fortunes

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

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair in attack and changed the formation a bit," commented Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We assembled on the side of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

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

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second-half display offered sufficient evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their present form and moving back up the table

"To show such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we show such determination and unity we have a great chance to win the points," the manager continued

"We had the belief before the match, during the fixture and after the game. Or else you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward win 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 played in this second half"

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City defenders"

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