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

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the interval

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back following the interval after a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the restart

And with City clearly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and issue new directions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored fewer top-flight goals this term

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

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

"During the break we were in command. Second half they came out, harried us a lot higher, they deployed two up top and changed the formation a bit," said Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

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

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second period performance offered sufficient evidence to indicate they are capable of halting their present run and climbing back up the table

"Displaying such a performance should provide us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to win the results," the manager continued

"We had the confidence prior to the game, during the game and after the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

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

"It looked like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City discovered a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"