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

Leeds got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back after the interval following a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the restart

And with City clearly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and deliver fresh directions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I like it? 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 up to the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee 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 sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we just try 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 rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less top-flight goals this term

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that almost turned around their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his side were only capable to reorganize following Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and changed the setup a bit," commented 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 brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

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

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "their overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half display provided enough proof to suggest they are able of halting their present run and moving up the table

"To show such a display should provide us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a great opportunity to earn the points," the manager continued

"We possessed the confidence prior to the game, during the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

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

"It looked like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but City discovered a bit of quality. They got away with one this evening"