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

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied after the interval after a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the restart

And with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and deliver fresh directions in the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it should 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 do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight goals this term

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure especially around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that almost reversed their situation

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

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair up top and changed the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the side of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The last time Leeds suffered four successive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance provided enough proof to suggest they are able of arresting their present run and climbing back up the table

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

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, throughout the game and after the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City found a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"