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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 match at Etihad Stadium

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

However, the visitors rallied following the interval following a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the restart

And with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver new directions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. 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 for the authorities to determine a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched fewer Premier League goals this term

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure particularly around changes, was nearly vindicated for a bold choice at the interval that nearly reversed their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his team were only capable to reorganize following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and altered the setup a bit," said Foden

"We really had difficulty 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"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The last time Leeds suffered four consecutive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their season ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their main feeling is frustration", their second period display provided enough proof to indicate they are able of halting their present run and climbing back up the table

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

"We had the confidence prior to the game, throughout the fixture and following the game. Or else you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

"Leeds United can derive 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 criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

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