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

The visitors made the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the break after a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the resumption

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue new directions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having notched fewer top-flight goals this season

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the interval that nearly reversed their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his team were only able to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two up top and changed the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We got together on the side of the pitch and changed a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four consecutive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "our main feeling is frustration", their second-half performance provided enough evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their present form and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the points," the manager continued

"We had the belief prior to the match, throughout the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City discovered a bit of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"