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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" in their top-flight match at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the interval

Second-Half Comeback Denied

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

And with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and deliver new instructions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you want to do something. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer top-flight strikes this term

Strategic Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the interval that almost turned around their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his team were only able to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put two up top and changed the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the side of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds lost four successive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke said that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second-half display offered enough proof to suggest they are capable of halting their current 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 great opportunity to win the results," the manager added

"We possessed the confidence before the match, throughout the game and following the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

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

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

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

"It looked like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City found a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"