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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their top-flight fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, Leeds fought back after the interval after a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the resumption

Furthermore with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and deliver new directions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within 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 questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to place them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less top-flight strikes this term

Strategic Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure especially around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a bold decision at the interval that nearly reversed their situation

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

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two in attack and altered the setup a little bit," commented Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds suffered four straight successive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second period display offered enough proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their current run and moving back up the table

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to earn the points," Farke added

"We possessed the belief before the game, throughout the game and after the encounter. Or else you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable victory for 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 performed in this second period"

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but City found a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"