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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" during their Premier League match at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

However, Leeds fought back after the break following a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the resumption

And with City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and deliver fresh directions in the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we educate our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold choice at the interval that nearly turned around their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup after Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and altered the setup a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the match. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

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

However, while Farke said that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second period display provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their current run and climbing back up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a great opportunity to earn the points," Farke added

"We possessed the confidence prior to the match, throughout the game and after the game. Or else you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

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

"It looked like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City found a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"