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

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead ahead of the interval

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the break after a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

And with City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue fresh directions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. 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 ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the interval that nearly reversed their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his team were only able to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

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

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

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

However, while Farke said that "their main feeling is frustration", their second-half performance provided sufficient proof to suggest they are able of arresting their current form and moving up the standings

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

"We had the confidence prior to the game, throughout the game and following the encounter. Or else you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

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

"It appeared like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City discovered a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"