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Leeds manager Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League match at the Etihad

Leeds made the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the break after a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the resumption

Furthermore with City clearly having difficulty to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and issue new instructions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. 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 keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our players in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having notched less top-flight goals this season

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness particularly around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that almost turned around their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his team 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, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair up top and changed the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with relegation

However, while Farke said that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half performance offered enough proof to indicate they are capable of halting their present form and moving up the table

"To show such a display should provide us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a excellent chance to earn the results," Farke added

"We possessed the confidence before the match, throughout the fixture and following the game. Or else you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

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

"Leeds can derive a lot from this performance with the manner they have played in this second half"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds' season, but Manchester City discovered a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"