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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" during their Premier League fixture at the Etihad

The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the interval

Second Period Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied following the break after a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the restart

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue fresh directions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"Unless we teach our footballers in football what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team meeting, 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 injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight matches to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having scored fewer Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that almost turned around their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put two in attack and altered the setup a bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds United suffered four successive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "our overriding emotion is frustration", their second-half display provided sufficient proof to suggest they are able of halting their present form and climbing back up the standings

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

"We possessed the confidence prior to the game, during the game and after the encounter. Or else you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"