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

The visitors made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

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

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue new directions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having scored fewer Premier League goals this term

Strategic Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure particularly around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only capable to regroup after Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put two in attack and altered the formation a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We assembled on the edge of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

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

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second period performance provided sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of halting their current form and climbing up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to win the results," the manager added

"We possessed the confidence before the match, during the game and following the game. Or else you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds United can take a lot from this display with the way they have performed 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 was introduced and roughed up the City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City discovered a measure of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"