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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 match at Etihad Stadium

The visitors made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back following the interval after a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the resumption

And with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver new instructions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight goals this season

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that nearly reversed their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his side were only capable to regroup after Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put two up top and altered the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the match. We assembled on the side of the field and changed a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second period performance offered enough evidence to indicate they are able of halting their present run and climbing up the table

"To show such a performance should provide us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent chance to win the points," Farke added

"We had the confidence before the game, throughout the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

"Leeds United can take a lot from this display with the manner they have played in this second period"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but City discovered a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"