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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back after the interval following a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue fresh directions in the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we teach our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules 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 allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous choice at the interval that nearly turned around their situation

Talking to television pundits, Foden, said that his side were only able to reorganize following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and changed the setup a bit," commented Foden

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

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds United lost four straight successive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with demotion

However, while Farke stated that "their main feeling is frustration", their second period performance provided sufficient proof to indicate they are able of halting their present run and moving back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a great chance to win the points," the manager continued

"We had the confidence prior to the match, during the game and following the game. Or else you can't respond with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

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

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It looked like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City found a bit of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"