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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied following the break following a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue fresh directions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer top-flight goals this term

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost turned around their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup following Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the formation a bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

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

However, while Farke stated that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period display provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their present form and moving back up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity to win the points," Farke added

"We had the confidence before the game, during the game and after the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this display with the way they have played in this second half"

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

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