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

Leeds made the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

However, the visitors rallied following the interval following a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the restart

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver new directions in the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"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 within the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our footballers in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Changes

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

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and altered the formation a bit," commented Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The last time Leeds United lost four consecutive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

However, while Farke said that "their overriding emotion is frustration", their second period performance provided enough proof to indicate they are able of halting their current run and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should provide us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the results," Farke added

"We had the belief prior to the game, during the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

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

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

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

"It looked like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but City found a measure of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"