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

Leeds made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, Leeds fought back after the break following a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver new directions in the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"Unless we teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just try to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight matches to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less top-flight strikes this term

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was nearly vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side were only capable to reorganize following Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two in attack and altered the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

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

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last time Leeds suffered four straight successive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke said that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second-half display offered sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their present run and moving back up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we show such spirit and unity we have a great chance to earn the points," Farke continued

"We had the confidence before the game, throughout the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

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