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

The visitors made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied after the break after a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the resumption

Furthermore with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue fresh directions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just try to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a bold choice at the interval that almost reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize following Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put two in attack and altered the formation a bit," said Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the match. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

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

However, while Daniel Farke said that "our main emotion is frustration", their second-half display provided enough evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their present form and moving up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the points," Farke added

"We possessed the confidence before the match, during the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

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

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

"It appeared like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City discovered a bit of quality. They got away with one this evening"